Laura Robson moves into final round of US Open qualifying with straight sets win

Robson’s breakthrough career moment came at Flushing Meadows in 2012 when she reached the fourth round at the age of just 18. But the British player’s career has regressed since then, with Robson now ranked as Britain’s No. 5 at 247 in the world.

The 22-year-old, however, has looked rejuvenated in US Open qualifying after recovering from a number of injury problems, and cruised into the final round of the competition with a 6-4 6-4 win over Bulgaria’s Shinikova.

"I feel really healthy, quite fit, today was a long day as well as yesterday but I've dealt with it well," Robson said after the game.

"I've been here a couple of times before in the last rounds of qualifying and had two awful matches, but to be honest I didn't even know if I was going to play this tournament so to be where I am now feels great. I'm definitely pumped for tomorrow."

Robson is a popular player amongst the British touring group, and she was given plenty of support in her session-ending match by British men’s No. 2 Dan Evans.

"I can't believe Evo came back, we've got a really good group of support going,” Robson said. “He's like a lucky charm - although don't tell him that."

Robson will face Tatjana Maria of Germany for a place in the main draw, but won’t be joined at Flushing Meadows by British No. 4 Tara Moore, who succumbed to a 1-6 6-3 6-2 defeat to Antonia Lottner.