Laura Robson Advances In First Round Of 2013 Mutua Madrid Open; Sloane Stephens Ousted

Laura Robson (click to enlarge)

I haven’t highlighted Laura Robson in a little while, and it was looking as if I might not this time either after she dropped the first set against Magdalena Rybarikova her opening round match at the 2013 Mutua Madrid Open. But the young British up and comer recovered to win 6-7 (4) 6-2 6-2. Somehow, Laura has lost five times this year in the first round and three more times in the second round. She has way too much talent and potential for those kind of results. Let me point out that while any professional player deserves respect, it’s not as if she’s losing in the early rounds to Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova. She’s been losing matches she should win. Hopefully, Laura will turn things around.

Sloane Stephens (click to enlarge)

Unfortunately, Sloane Stephens continues to struggle since the Australian Open. She started the year off so well with two semis and a quarter in three events in Australia. But since performing well down under she has three first round losses and one second round loss. Even the round of 16 run at Miami has an asterisk. She had a bye in the first round, won the second round but then received a walkover in the third round when Venus Williams pulled out, before Sloane eventually lost to Agnieszka Radwanska. So while she made it to the round of 16 there, she only won one match on the court to do so. Like Laura Robson, Sloane Stephens is a champion in the making as far as I’m concerned. She has all the tools. Still, she is young so I don’t expect perfection. These are learning experiences to be sure. However, it’s time for Sloane and Laura to start turning a corner and getting back on track.