It’s been a long battle with injury for Laura Robson but Olympic silver medal winning teammate Andy Murray has no doubt about her temperament to overcome the odds.
After the two teamed up to win mixed doubles silver at London 2012, Robson then went on to reach a career high 46 in the world the following year.
But since then it has been a period of frustration as Robson, 22, spent 17 months out with a wrist injury before a relapse following her return in June 2015 again put her on the sidelines until last month where she played at Indian Wells.
During that time she has slipped to 465th in the world although she will use her protected ranking to enter next month’s French Open.
Robson has never previously been beyond the first round at Roland Garros although whatever the outcome in Paris, Murray can sympathise with her after coming through his own back problems in the past.
“It’s been tough for Laura, she’s had a bunch of injuries and they are not easy injuries as well,” he said.
“Wrist injuries hamper you from doing anything tennis related. You can pick up some injuries on different parts of your body where you can still get on the court and hit balls and you don’t lose the skill element of the sport.
“You drop physically but the skill element can remain. Whereas with the wrist, you can do a lot of physical stuff but then when it comes to matches and hitting balls, it’s not easy.
“It’s going to take her some time but if she’s motivated and wants to get back to the top of the game, she’s definitely got the potential to do that.”
Murray was talking after announcing that he has set up his own tennis event, Andy Murray Live presented by SSE, to help raise money for charity.
The event, which will take place on 21 September at the SSE Hydro, will feature both singles and doubles matches, with Jamie Murray, France’s Gael Monfils and former British number one Tim Henman also making up the line up alongside Murray.
Profits from the event will go to local Glasgow children’s charity Young People’s Futures and Unicef – of which Murray is an official ambassador.
“It’s great to be returning home to Scotland and playing in the city of Glasgow,” he added.
“I owe it to my fans who have supported me throughout the years and what better way than to play in front of them at the SSE Hydro while raising money for Young People’s Futures and Unicef.
“I’ve been told it’s a really great venue and should be good for tennis.
“I’m looking forward to bringing top-level tennis to Glasgow on an annual basis and making this event bigger and better every year.”
Andy Murray Live presented by SSE takes place at The SSE Hydro on 21 September. Tickets are available now at www.thessehydro.com
Image courtesy of Australian Open TV via YouTube, with thanks
