Roger Draper says Brit girls can reach top

Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Roger Draper has backed Heather Watson and Laura Robson to break into the world's top 100 and then "go a lot higher".

Watson won the girls' singles title at the US Open yesterday, and Robson, who won the junior Wimbledon title in 2008, reached the semi-finals in New York.

Draper is convinced both players have the hunger required to move up from the junior ranks and make an impression in the senior game.

He 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.

"They've got to pick and choose their schedules carefully.

"There's no reason they can't go on to reach the top 100 at least.

"They've certainly got the work ethic and the commitment to go a lot higher as well."

With Watson, 17, and 15-year-old Robson making the early steps in their careers, Draper says the next stage of their progression is crucial.

"For players like Heather and Laura Robson, they know what they've got to do," Draper said.

"They've got good teams around them.

"Now it's about making sure they make the transition from the junior game to the senior game.

"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 back Watson and the cream of the best junior talent "all the way".

He added: "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.

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