Former British No. 1 Tim Henman believes Laura Robson can still make an impact at Wimbledon in the future, despite missing out on the main draw this year.
Henman, speaking at the 2018 Jaguar Championships at David Lloyd Royal Berkshire, remains optimistic that the 24-year-old’s game suits the grass courts at SW19.
It’s been a decade since Robson won the Junior Girls’ Championship at Wimbledon with her career being plagued by injury in recent years – just this week opting to have hip surgery in order to get herself back on track.
Henman, though, claims she still has the potential for greatness on tennis’ fastest surface if she can keep her body fit and strong.
“Laura can always have success on grass, because she is a great ball-striker, she’s very offensive now,” said Henman.
“On grass, it really favours the attacking type of player, it’s harder to defend on. There’s never been an issue about the level of tennis that she can play, it’s more been the fitness aspect.
“She’s had those injuries and when your career keeps getting interrupted then it’s very difficult to get gain that momentum.
“The question is can she string that together consistently, can she be aggressive and not make too many unforced errors, can she stay injury-free?
“Fingers crossed she can do that because she’s still young.”
After winning the Junior Girls Championship aged just 14, Robson was named World Tennis Association Newcomer of the Year for 2012 and reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 27 in July 2013.
She also won a silver medal in the mixed doubles at the 2012 London Olympics, playing with Andy Murray, but over the past few years has struggled with injuries – most notably a wrist complaint – and currently sits 351st in the world.
But despite her troubles, Henman feels there is still plenty of time for Robson to regain confidence and return to the top level.
He added: “It feels like she’s been around for a long time – but she’s still in her mid-twenties so hopefully there’s a lot of options and opportunities in front of her.
“If we’re over the hill at 24 then it’s slightly worrying! I think it’s a great sport because you can play for, pretty much, your whole life.
“There’s no doubt that she still has the hunger and desire, the motivation to get out there and put the hard yards in.
“If she does that in the gym and on the court then she can have plenty of good results ahead of her in the future.”
Tim Henman was speaking at The Jaguar Championships as part of Jaguar’s partnership with David Lloyd Clubs. Visit http://www.jaguar.co.uk/jaguar-range/f-pace/index.html to find out more about the F-PACE, the Official Car of The Championships, Wimbledon
