All over for Laura: Robson dumped out of Aussie Open by teen Stephens
By MIKE DICKSON
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Laura Robson’s hopes of a prolonged run at the Australian Open were left blowing in the wind as she went out to American rival Sloane Stephens in very different conditions to her second round upset of Petra Kvitova.
Robson will have more time to celebrate her nineteenth birthday next week after losing out 7-5 6-3 to old junior adversary Stephens, who also beat her in the WTA event in Hobart just under two weeks ago.
In blustery conditions the American, ranked 28 places above her at 25, played sensibly and conservatively and profited from the 47 unforced errors of Robson, who received treatment for a stiff shoulder halfway through the first set and and at the end of it.
Dropping out: Laura Robson was beaten by Sloane Stephens in the third round
Safely through: Sloane Stephens beat Robson in two sets
Heading up to a ranking in the low forties will be scant consolation for the Wimbledon-based teenager, who was in an inviting part of the draw had she won. She will take many lessons away from a decent week, one of which is that you cannot let someone as good as the athletic Stephens race away to a four a game start.
Although she looked the better player for spells in both sets, the need for more consistency is clear against someone who was giving less away than ex Wimbledon champion Kvitova.
Time for treatment: Robson receives treatment during the match
Asked what she needed to work on to improve her game, Robson replied: 'I would say shot selection in the points.
'Sometimes I still go for a bit too much when I'd be better off playing an easier shot rather than going for winners the whole time.
'Against anyone if you try to finish the rally too early, it's never going to work out that well.'
In her defence, Robson was hindered by a shoulder problem which came on overnight.
'I felt something in my shoulder yesterday but we still don't know what it is because I haven't had time to see the doctor,' she added.
All over: Robson was beaten by Stephens in the third round match
Although defeated, Robson claimed she could still take plenty from her time Down Under.
'I lost here last year two and love in the first round so it's a massive improvement,' she said.
'There are still so many things that can be worked on but I toughed out the two wins.
'It was still a pretty good tournament.'
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