Wade: We need to protect Robson
British tennis legend Virginia Wade is calling for new sensation Laura Robson to be protected from the glare of the media spotlight following her Wimbledon success.
Robson, 14, captured the hearts of the nation when winning the girls’ title on Saturday – the first home singles victory at Wimbledon since Annabel Croft 24 years ago.
Robson was plastered all over the front and back pages of the Sunday newspapers but Wade, the 1977 women’s champion, has warned the media not to over-hype the youngster and put undue pressure on her development.
While Robson is seen as the shining light in British tennis, she will be aware of some of her predecessors who fell by the wayside.
Croft quit just three years after winning her title aged 18 in 1984, while former world junior number one, Jamie Delgado, only reached 121 in the professional game.
Concerned Wade said: “It drives me crazy to see all the attention. They are so desperate to find a new star. The expectation is so premature, but Laura has made a fantastic start and she has got so much potential.
“The media want to latch onto someone who shows great promise but this whole thing is what upsets the applecart with British players.”