Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Laura Robson beat a top-50 player for the first time since her stunning Wimbledon run as the teenager overcame Klara Zakopalova in the first round of the China Open in Beijing.
After a tight opening two sets Robson stormed home to win 7-6 (7/3) 4-6 6-1 against the world No 33 from Czech Republic in just over two hours.
The 19-year-old claimed the British No 1 status in China 12 months ago, and has gone from strength to strength since, highlighted by her performance at Wimbledon.
Robson memorably beat 10th seed Maria Kirilenko on her way to the fourth round in south-west London and was a quarter-finalist in Guanghzou a fortnight ago as she has risen to 38 in the world rankings.
After holding her nerve in the first-set tie-break Robson, who claimed four breaks of serve in the match, slipped up in the second to send the game to a deciding set.
Robson was not to be denied, however, as she sealed victory to book a second-round meeting with seventh-seeded German Angelique Kerber.
Robson reached the second round in Beijing last year where she was beaten by Lourdes Dominguez Lino, the player she beat in the first round of last month's US Open.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments