Draper predicts bright future

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:48

Watson won the girls’ singles title at the US Open on Sunday, and Robson, who won the junior Wimbledon title in 2008, reached the semi-finals in New York.

“Both Laura and Heather have won their first senior events at a lower level which is a good step. Heather’s 764th on the world rankings, Laura’s a bit higher,” Draper told Sky Sports News. “They’ve got to pick and choose their schedules carefully. There’s no reason they can’t go on to reach the top 100 at least. They’ve certainly got the work ethic and the commitment to go a lot higher as well.”

With Watson, 17, and 15-year-old Robson making the early steps in their careers, Draper says the next stage of their progression is crucial.

“For players like Heather and Laura, they know what they’ve got to do,” Draper added.

“They’ve got good teams around them.

“Now it’s about making sure they make the transition from the junior game to the senior game.

“Things happen a little bit quicker on the girls’ side to the boys’ side.

“The boys tend to (need) a longer transition to be a top-100 player.”

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