2004 Wimbledon Champion Maria Sharapova believes that young British sensation Laura Robson has a perfect opportunity to launch her Proffesional career at Wimbledon this year.
Russian ace Sharapova, who won Wimbledon herself at the tender age of 17, said: ‘’It’s a great place to start for her. There comes a time when you must play on the big stage. Laura’s win in the girls’ tournament at Wimbledon last year will really help her this time around.’’
Robson, 15, was thrust into the spotlight following her excellent triumph in the junior tournament at SW19 last year, and many believe that over the next few year’s, she will hold the best chance of being the first British woman to win the Ladies Singles at Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1977. It was Wade however who has moved to quell any hopes pinned on Laura at such an early age, and the former Queen of Wimbledon spoke of her dislike for the amount of pressure which gets heaped on British players:
"The pressure of being a British player is phenomenal," said Wade. "There's so much pressure on any top player but it's that much more significant if you're British - so it's a real concern for me that pressure might get the better of her (Robson)."
Laura Robson, regardless of any progress in this year’s tournament is sure to be better for the experience; however a place in the second round at SW19 in her debut year is likely to be deemed a successful Championship for her.