Former British number one Laura Robson is set to miss the Australian Open. She missed most of 2014 due to a wrist injury and is finding the comeback more difficult than first thought. As a result, the Brit has made the decision not to use her protected ranking for the first slam of the year, the Australian Open.
Robson Unsure Of 2016 Return
No date has been set for the Brit's return with her wrist reportedly fine, but the decision being made to not rush back. Robson used her first protected ranking to enter the U.S. Open at the end of last year, where she lost in the first round, Now, she seems wise to have chosen to hold back on using her only other protected ranking left for another time. That could come at next season's French Open or even Wimbledon. It is likely that Robson will try and raise her ranking back up from her current standing at 555 on the lower tier with ITF events. She will likely use smaller American-based events that take place after the Australian Open to build her rankings. Robson was due to take part in a doubles exhibition event,"Maria & Friends," but has withdrawn from that to concentrate on being ready for the new season.
Prep For Next Season Continues Stateside
The Brit will have to earn wins and get her confidence back with the injury seeing her ranking slip from as high as 58 to its current place. However, if Robson can string some victories and titles together this position should change rapidly. Robson is currently in Florida working at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. She has been working with Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) trainer Steve Kotze. Kotze worked with Andy Murray during the 2015 season. All in all, this is going to be a difficult season for the Brit. Still, if the work is put then her ranking should change quickly as she looks to get her career back on track.