Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Laura Robson's French Open heartbreak turned to joy today as she earned a place in the main draw as a lucky loser courtesy of Silvia Soler-Espinosa's ankle injury.
The 18-year-old held two match points in her final qualifying round clash with Czech Karolina Pliskova on Friday but could not take them and eventually lost in three sets.
However, Robson was the first alternate and it seemed almost certain she would get in when Soler-Espinosa hurt her ankle in practice yesterday, and the news was confirmed today.
The Londoner will find it tough to make it further, though, as she slots in against 29th seed and clay-court specialist Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain.
The pair have met once before, in the second round of the US Open last year, where the extra experience of Medina Garrigues counted in a straight-sets win.
Today's news means Robson has now made the main draw at four successive grand slams having earned a wild card at Wimbledon and qualified at the US Open and Australian Open.
Robson joined fellow qualifier Heather Watson, Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong in the main draw, making it the most British women in the first round at Roland Garros for 21 years.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments