US Open: Shock Laura Robson victory ends Kim Clijsters’ tournament and career

Published on 30/08/2012 01:52

BRITAIN’S Laura Robson pulled off by far the biggest win of her career with a stunning performance at the US Open tonight to bring Kim Clijsters’ professional singles career to an end.

Three-time champion Clijsters announced earlier in the year this tournament would be her last and, although she still has doubles to come, there will be no fairytale fourth singles title.

Robson, 18, had never won more than one match at a grand slam before but found her best form on the biggest stage to triumph 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/5) and reach the third round, where she will play ninth seed Li Na.

Robson has been talked about as a potential star since winning the Wimbledon junior title in 2008 as a 14-year-old and has been making steady progress, but she chose New York to really burst onto the world stage.

The Londoner said: “I was just trying to play as well as I could. I knew if I didn’t Kim would dominate. I knew I had to go out there, hit as many balls as I could and just work my butt off.”

Addressing Clijsters, Robson said: “I want to say thanks to Kim for being such a great role model.

“I’ve grown up watching you and it’s just been an absolute pleasure to finally play against you.”

Clijsters was given a great reception by Arthur Ashe Stadium, which disappointingly was far from full, and struggled to contain her emotions as she contemplated the end.

She said: “One of my biggest dreams came true in 2005 winning here. Every time I came back I was so inspired by the energy on this court.

“I’ve played some of my best tennis and my best matches here. This feels like the perfect place to retire, I just wish it wasn’t today.

“Laura played extremely well today. I fought, I gave it my all and it wasn’t good enough. Since I retired the first time it’s been a great adventure for my team and my family and it’s all been worth it, but I do look forward to the next part of my life.”