Miami Open 2016: Laura Robson knocked out in first round by Kirsten Flipkens after letting three set points slip

Kirsten Flipkens beat Laura Robson 7-6, 6-2

Laura Robson reacts after losing a point in her defeat by Kirsten Flipkens (Getty Images)

Laura Robson suffered a first-round defeat at the Miami Open against Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens.

The former British number one, now ranked 504th in the world as she battles back from a long-term wrist injury suffered against Flipkens at the 2014 Australian Open, was playing as a wild card in Key Biscayne.

Robson led 3-0 in the first set and Flipkens had to save three set points to earn a tie-breaker, which she took 7-4. The Belgian then dominated the second set, breaking twice in succession to earn a 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 win.

There were also defeats for all three of the British players involved in the qualifying tournament, with Katie Swan's run ended by Samantha Crawford.


 Robson is attempting to return to form after more than a year out with a wrist injury
 (Getty Images)

The 16-year-old Swan, who is originally from Bristol but is based in the United States, posted a career-best win over world number 102 Lauren Davis in the opening round of qualifying.

That set up a clash with 109th-ranked Crawford for a place in the main draw, but it was the American who came through 6-2 4-6 6-2.

Swan, ranked 521st, gave another hugely encouraging performance but was affected by a thigh problem in the deciding set and lost the last four games.

The teenager became Britain's youngest ever Fed Cup player when she made her debut last month, turning professional a week later.

Naomi Broady lost 6-4 6-2 to Belarus' Aliaksandra Sasnovich while in the men's tournament, James Ward fell 6-3 6-3 to American Bjorn Fratangelo.

PA