Draper backing junior stars

Watson: Triumped at the US Open

Both Laura and Heather have won their first senior events at a lower level which is a good step

Roger Draper
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Junior tennis stars Heather Watson and Laura Robson are set to "go a lot higher" according to Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Roger Draper.

Draper has backed both girls to break into the world's top 100 following their success at the US Open where Watson, 17, beat Russia's Yana Buchina to the girls' single title.

Robson, who is just 15, also reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows having secured the junior Wimbledon title in 2008.

Draper told Sky Sports News: "Both Laura and Heather have won their first senior events at a lower level which is a good step.

"Heather's 764th on the world rankings; Laura's a bit higher. There's no reason they can't go on to reach the top 100 at least."

Impression

With both girls making the early steps in their careers, Draper believes it is important they make an impression in the senior game.

"They know what they've got to do. Things happen a little bit quicker on the girls' side to the boys' side.

"The boys tend to (need) a longer transition to be a top-100 player."

Draper pledged that the LTA would completely back Watson and the best junior talent.

"Hopefully players like Heather and Laura, and some of our young junior boys who are coming through and will be playing at the US Open next year, will come through and be top 100 players like Andy Murray in the senior game," he added.

"I think the future is looking bright for British tennis."