Robson romps past Pliskova to book girls’ final spot
Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:53
Laura Robson is through to the final of the Australian Open girls’ singles final for the second year running after sweeping to a 6-3 6-1 victory over Kristyna Pliskova.
The Aussie-born Brit, who turned 16 last week, will face Karolina Pliskova in Saturday’s final – and that is not a typo. Kristyna’s twin sister beat Hao Chen Tang 2-6 7-6(6) 6-2 in the day’s second semi-final.
“That will be interesting!” admitted Robson, last year’s beaten finalist, afterwards – though she will hope playing on Rod Laver Arena will prevent blustery conditions from affecting the final as much as they did in the semis.
With winds swirling around Show Court 3 throughout the match, Robson got her tactics spot on, taking the edge off her forehand to make sure it found the court as Pliskova sprayed error after error in a one-sided affair.
There was no sign of fatigue on Robsons side of the court despite her busy January schedule. She has already represented Great Britain in the Hopman Cup, where she posted the most impressive win of her career against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in the final.
She also made the quarter-finals of the Australian Open womens doubles after being drafted in at the last minute to partner Australian Sally Peers.
“I have good phases and phases which could be better,” she said, “but I am getting more confident.
“Coming into this tournament, I didn’t really have any goals,” she added, having missed out on a place in the main draw in the qualifying tournament.
“I was just going to see how it went, really. But I’m sure I will sit down with my coach and discuss what we’re going to do.”
The result gives Great Britain twice the reason to celebrate the Aussie Open finals weekend, with Robson joining Hopman Cup partner Andy Murray in reaching a final.
Robson planned to grab a quick dinner in St Kilda before returning to her hotel to see who would face Muray in the final – Roger Federer or Jo-Wifrield Tsonga.
“I thought he played really well,” was Robson’s assessment of Murray’s semi-final victory, making him the first men’s singles finalist down under since 1977. “He hit some ridiculous shots.”
She said she has learned a lot from watching Murray up close this past month. “For a start, he’s a lot faster than me. It’s a good example to follow.”
Looking forward to her own final, Robson seems more relaxed than last year. “I was really nervous going into it,” she recalls of her 6-3 6-1 defeat to Russia’s Ksenia Pervak.
“I didn’t really feel comfortable playing against the girl I did but hopefully this year it will be different.”
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