I have to admit that I wasn't expected much from Laura Robson during the 2012 U.S. Open, so she has already exceeded expectations. Robson's win against Kim Clijsters was spectacular, and she clearly did not read the script for the match.
It was supposed to be a chance for the Belgium to end her career on a high in the Grand Slam event, which she has had the most success in by winning the title in 2005, 2009, and 2010 during her career.
However, Robson was not prepared to sit back and allow that to happen. Instead, she was interested in furthering her own career and putting her name out there as a potential future Grand Slam winner.
Laura Robson defeated the Belgium by a 7-6, 7-6 straight sets scoreline in the second round and will now be looking for similar success in the third round. Her next opponent will be China's Li Na, who defeated Britain's Heather Watson in the first round.
Therefore, it will be an interesting test to see how the two British women are progressing. Heather Watson is currently ranked as the British number one with a ranking of 70, and Laura Robson is ranked 91. But Robson can expect to improve that ranking after the 2012 U.S. Open.
However, Robson will not want to end her 2012 U.S. Open with defeat to Li Na. She needs to try to consolidate her victory against Clijsters with another big win. There is a bit of potential history to be made if she can manage to do so; she would be the first woman to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam event in 14 years.
Nevertheless, there are, perhaps, bigger issues at play here than potential records. Laura Robson will want to progress her career and prove that she can compete with the best in the world. Then there is the issue of trying to force her way to the top of the British rankings. And then there is the issue of proving that she is a future Grand Slam winner.
Andy Murray may also be keen to cheer on Laura for several reasons. He will be delighted for some the media spotlight to be removed from him. Robson's progression may mean that Andy has a little less pressure that may benefit his own 2012 U.S. Open chances.
Of course, both Andy and Laura teamed up at the London 2012 Olympics to win a silver mixed doubles medal. I can't help thinking that there is a connection between that and Robson's success this week.
This could be either from advice she may have received from the partnership, or just that bit of belief that the unexpected success would have given her. Nevertheless, whatever happens against Li Na, the future for Laura Robson and British tennis looks bright.
James Kent has been a tennis fan for a number of years; he has attended major events in the UK and USA, follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
