Wimbledon 2018: Laura Robson set for another spell on the sidelines as she prepares for hip surgery

The 24-year-old has been battling to return to the top of the game since wrist problems first struck at the start of 2014

Laura Robson is set for another spell on the sidelines as she prepares to undergo hip surgery.

The 24-year-old has been battling to return to the top of the game since wrist problems first struck at the start of 2014.

And Robson feels she has no option but to go under the knife again, with her agent Max Eisenbud confirming that she is to have surgery.

Robson spoke positively about her prospects in January after reuniting with coach Martijn Bok, who guided her to the Wimbledon junior title 10 years ago, and targeted a place in the top 100 by the end of the season.

She said at the time: "I actually feel good. I feel very happy on court for the first time in a long time. I'm happy to be back with Martijn. We're putting in some good work on the practice court. I feel very happy and super motivated."

But the optimism did not last long as Robson began to struggle with pain in her hip. Ranked 351, more than 300 places below the career high of 27 she achieved as a teenager, she last played a singles match in May.

Robson has enjoyed some success in doubles but was not given a Wimbledon wild card for the main draw or qualifying and will be on the operating table rather than at the All England Club.

Andy Murray was sidelined for five months after his own hip operation and, if Robson's recovery follows a similar pattern, she should be ready to return to the court at the start of next season.

She still has time on her side but this is another major setback for a player once touted as a future grand slam champion.