Struggling Laura Robson has been tipped to return to the world's top 30 by a Wimbledon star who knows the torment plaguing the former British number one.
German Andrea Petkovic suffered with a succession of major injuries from late 2011 to early 2013, to her knee, spine and ankle, and crashed from ninth in the world rankings to almost outside the top 200.
Former British number one Robson has slumped from 27th to 283rd after serious left wrist problems, and was swept aside in the Wimbledon first round by Petkovic's compatriot Angelique Kerber.
A protected ranking that allowed Robson to enter eight main-tour events has run its course. Now Robson must rebuild her career on the low-profile International Tennis Federation tour, playing for prize money that might barely cover her expenses, but crucially operating at a level where she may start to win matches again, and build confidence.
Petkovic, one of the colourful characters of the WTA Tour, beat Robson in the French Open first round last month and is convinced the 22-year-old will soon be on the way up.
Asked directly if Robson could be a top-30 player again, Petkovic said: "Definitely. I just see her talent, the raw talent's there so I wouldn't worry too much if I was her.
"It's difficult for her being in England: everybody expects a lot, so she just has to be patient and she will be fine. The wrist isn't an easy thing to cope with mentally.
"When I played her at Roland Garros, and when we shook hands at the net I told her 'Don't worry, you're going to come back', because I know you worry as a player.
"I was in the same situation. I was in the top 10 and I dropped down to 180, and I had to go through all of this.
"The most difficult part is that you get used to winning matches against a certain type of player, and players with a certain ranking, and all of a sudden when you come back you've lost your eye for the game.
"You make stupid decisions. You rush when you don't have to rush, stay too defensive when you should be offensive. Those are only things you can regain by playing matches, and the longer absence it is the more difficult it is to get back.
"So I really know how she feels, and I feel bad for her. Also I would like to tell her 'You're going to be fine', because I was fine also, it just took a while.
" I was much older when I had my injuries. If I can make it as an old horse, she can make it as a young puppy, right?"
Source: PA
