Judy Murray, the British Fed Cup captain, insists that the process of rehabilitating Laura Robson to the demands of regular top-flight tennis requires a surfeit of patience and no one should be expecting too much from the 21-year-old in the US Open.
Since ending an 18-month absence from the WTA in the qualifying rounds at Eastbourne before Wimbledon, Robson has played seven matches and won only one. A protected ranking, afforded to long-time injury absentees, allowed her a place in the 128-strong main draw at Flushing Meadows.
However, Robson’s ranking is No 727 and she has been drawn against Elena Vesnina, of Russia, who these days concentrates more on doubles and has slipped down to No 110. The 29-year-old from Moscow stood in 21st place after Wimbledon two years ago, when Robson achieved her highest position of No 27.
“The first thing I would say about Laura is not to expect too much from her because she is still on her way back to match fitness,” Murray said of the player who was sidelined for so long after wrist surgery and, since her return, has also suffered leg and abdominal muscle problems. “It’s about mental fitness as well.”
Last weekend, Robson played the qualifying rounds of the Connecticut Open in New Haven and was in a winning position against Christina McHale, the world No 59 from the United States, but ended up losing 2-6, 7-6, 6-3.
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•Judy Murray will be at the US Open as a Sky Sports analyst