Laura Robson insists she is determined to revive her career following a disappointing showing at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
The 23-year-old, playing alongside compatriot Jocelyn Rae, lost to Makoto Ninomiya and Renata Voracova 4-6 6(4)-7 in the second round of the women’s doubles on Saturday.
The defeat follows her first-round exit from the women’s singles, when she lost 4-6 2-6 to Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia – having been given a wildcard into the event – in an error-strewn performance which lasted just over an hour on the first day at the All England Club.
And her mixed doubles campaign did not fare much better, as she lost in the first round alongside fellow Brit Dominic Inglot.
Robson was ranked as high as 27 in 2013 after reaching the fourth round at SW19, but extensive wrist injuries have hampered her playing career and she is now gradually working her way back up the rankings – where she currently sits at 189.
But the left-hander, who shot to fame in 2008 when she won the girls’ junior title as a 14-year-old, is adamant that she can get her career back on track.
“It’s tough and I’m still working on it. Over the last couple of months, coming back up to this level was a bit harder,” she said.
“I’m dropping down to play the Challengers in the States. I’m just going to have to keep building and trying my best. The belief is still there.”
Despite her disappointing campaign at the All England Club this year, Robson remained buoyed by her work with Rae and insisted the pair had enjoyed a special partnership over the last few months.
“It’s not been an ideal Wimbledon for sure, especially in the singles,” she added.
“But I enjoyed my time on court with Jocelyn and have done for the last few weeks. It was nice to come back out and play two pretty decent doubles matches and have a bit of fun out there.
“We play Fed Cup together so when Jocelyn split with her long-term doubles partner, she sent me a text asking if I wanted to play the grass season with her.
“We know from playing Fed Cup together that we have a lot of fun together. Even when we’re down, we are just trying to be brave out there and go for our shots.
“Even though it hasn’t worked out here, we had a good run in Nottingham and a result in the first round this week.
“I enjoy playing doubles, especially with someone you know and someone you get on with. It makes a difference when you get on well.
“You play a little bit looser and more relaxed when you are enjoying yourself.”
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