Wimbledon 2013: Laura Robson prepares for doubles campaign
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Your support makes all the difference.Laura Robson begins her doubles campaign today after becoming the first British woman to beat a top-10 player at Wimbledon for 15 years.
Robson lifted the dark clouds that had descended over British tennis at the All England Club yesterday when she stunned 10th seed Maria Kirilenko 6-3 6-4 after a brutal display of power tennis in front of a packed crowd on Court One.
The victory meant the 19-year-old became the first British female to defeat a top-10 player at Wimbledon since Sam Smith overcame Conchita Martinez in 1998.
The Australian-born star will play Colombian qualifier Mariana Duque-Marino in the second round and she will fancy her chances of beating potential opponent Shuai Peng in the last 32.
Robson's mother missed her opening Wimbledon clash because she was unable to get a dog-sitter.
"I haven't spoken to her on the phone but I've texted her," Robson said.
"She always texts me back during the matches, as well. So when I get off the court, I've got like eight messages to read, generally about catching the ball toss.
"She's obviously pretty excited. But I've got the rest of my family here. All my relatives are watching in Australia. So, yeah, they're very happy."
The 2008 junior champion plays world number 117 Duque-Marino tomorrow but before that she will take part in the women's doubles with partner Lisa Raymond against Francesca Schiavone and Samantha Stosur.
Last night Tara Moore almost joined Robson in the last 64 of the singles draw as she fell to an agonising 7-5 5-7 7-5 defeat to Estonian Kaia Kanepi.
The British number five said: "Obviously disappointment is the first thing that you think of when you lose a tight three-setter.
"From where I've come over the last six months, I am taking the positives. Hopefully next year I can come back and win these matches.
"I moved to the national training centre in Roehampton and started working with a great team.
"We put together a great programme and I am out there working my butt off every day just to play these big tournaments."
Moore will now turn her attention to her women's doubles campaign with partner Melanie South.
Heather Watson was hopeful of causing an upset against Madison Keys first up on Court Two, but the Channel Islander lost 6-3 7-5 to the highly-rated American.
The British number two made it through to the third round last summer, but a recent bout of glandular fever continues to hamper her game this summer.
"I feel like my game isn't back yet," Watson said.
"I didn't have a high first serve percentage. My reactions are slow.
"I'm not moving like I usually move, getting balls back.
"My game's not there yet, but that will come back with time."
Watson is in doubles action today. She partners Mervana Jugic-Salkic against Cara Black and Marina Erakovic on Court Five.
Jonny Marray begins his defence of the men's doubles title with new partner Colin Fleming versus Slovakian duo Martin Klizan and Igor Zelenay.
Anne Keothavong and Johanna Konta, who both exited the singles on Monday will join forces in the women's doubles against top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci.
PA
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