Wimbledon Tip: Laura Robson

In a stellar year for British sport, the progress of Laura Robson went largely unnoticed by the mainstream media. The 18-year-old reached her first WTA final, won a silver medal at the Olympics and rose to a career high number 52 in the world. She is the most exciting new talent in the women’s game and that isn’t a partisan view, she won the WTA Newcomer of the Year.

Just how far can she go in 2013? How about winning Wimbledon at 100/1 (Betfred).

It might seem an absurd statement but six months down the line we could be holding a valuable ticket. The catalyst for Robson’s rapid improvement was her partnership with Andy Murray in the Olympics. Not only did she gain confidence and motivation from their unexpected run but she also linked up with Murray’s fitness coach, Jez Green. Robson’s speed across the court was always her biggest weakness, but the time spent with Green is already paying dividends.

The other good news for Laura Robson is that she is making rapid progress at a time when there is no dominant force in the women’s game. Serena Williams is still a class act but age and injuries are starting to catch up with her. Beyond the American, there is little strength in depth, with a constant merry-go-round at the top of the world rankings. In the last eight Grand Slams there have been 7 different winners.

At the end of last season, we caught a glimpse of Robson’s potential when she reached the 4th round of the US Open, ending Kim Clijsters’ career along the way. The jump from 4th round loser, to Grand Slam winner isn’t as large as it seems. Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon when she was 17, having reached the fourth round the previous year.

It is worth remembering that Laura Robson was a junior winner at Wimbledon back in 2008 and grass courts have always suited her game. She is a big serving left-hander, not dissimilar to 2011 champion Petra Kvitova.

A few good performances early in the season and a run at the Australian Open could see the British number 1 start the Wimbledon fortnight much shorter than her current quote of 100/1 (Betfred). She has an outside chance of going all the way.