Laura Robson produced the performance of her career to defeat Kim Clijsters and reach the third round of the US Open.
British teenager stuns three-time champion at Flushing Meadows
Laura Robson produced the performance of her career to defeat Kim Clijsters and reach the third round of the US Open.
The British teenager, who had never previously progressed further than the second round of a major tournament, prevailed 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/5) in over two hours of pulsating action on Arthur Ashe.
The defeat brings the curtain down on a glittering singles career for Clijsters, who won the US Open three times and was undefeated in nine years at Flushing Meadows before running into an inspired Robson.
The British No.2 will now play Chinese ninth seed Li Na for a place in the last 16.
Role model
Robson was on the back foot for large periods of the opening set and looked destined to fall behind when Clijsters opened up a 5-2 lead.
But the deficit sparked Robson into life and two stunning forehands up the line helped her break back before forcing a tie-break. The Londoner then carried her momentum into the breaker and a long return from Clijsters gave her the opening set 7-4.
Nerves were evident early in the second set as back-to-back double faults from Robson and a double from Clijsters saw both players relinquish serve.
Robson moved within a point of the third round in the 11th game, however Clijsters saved two match points in style to ensure the enthralled crowd would be treated to a second tie-breaker.
Robson earned a third match point with an unstoppable forehand into the corner, and wrapped up a famous win when Clijsters hit long.
The 18-year-old said: "I was just trying to play as well as I could. I knew if I didn't Kim would dominate. I knew I had to go out there, hit as many balls as I could and just work my butt off."
Emotions
Addressing Clijsters, Robson said: "I want to say thanks to Kim for being such a great role model.
"I've grown up watching you and it's just been an absolute pleasure to finally play against you."
Clijsters was given a great reception by those who had watched the absorbing contest from the stands, though the stadium was disappointingly far from full, and struggled to contain her emotions as she contemplated the end.
She said: "One of my biggest dreams came true in 2005 winning here. Every time I came back I was so inspired by the energy on this court.
"I've played some of my best tennis and my best matches here. This feels like the perfect place to retire, I just wish it wasn't today.
"Laura played extremely well today. I fought, I gave it my all and it wasn't good enough. Since I retired the first time it's been a great adventure for my team and my family and it's all been worth it, but I do look forward to the next part of my life."
