Qualifying win for Robson
Date published :
27 Aug 2010 - 20:30:35
Britain's Laura Robson moved into the final round of qualifying for the US Open with a comfortable victory over Russia's Vesna Manasieva.
Robson, who defeated former world number four Jelena Dokic in the opening round, was always in control of the match despite a brief lapse of concentration in the second set and claimed a 6-3 6-2 victory.
Britain's Katie O'Brien had already reached the third round of qualifying and faces Olga Savchuk later today for a place in the main draw.
16-year-old Robson, who won the Wimbledon junior title in 2008, joined her after taking the opening set 6-3 and charging into a 3-0 lead in the second with two breaks of serve.
The second of those was gifted to Robson when her Russian opponent double faulted, but the British teenager then returned the favour in the next game before Manasieva held serve to reduce the deficit.
Despite being curiously unhappy with her choice of footwear - "I hate these socks" she said after losing one point - Robson was not going to be denied and secured another break of serve en route to sealing her progress.
Robson, who will face Spain's Nuria Llagostera Vives for a place in the main draw, said: "I am really pleased to be through to the last round of qualifying.
"I am playing well and feeling confident so hopefully I will put in another good performance."
World number 126 Llagostera Vives was once ranked as high as 35th and has won two titles on the WTA Tour, but has failed to win a single match in five previous US Open appearances.
