Laura Robson withdraws from French Open as wrist injury persists

Laura Robson's injury troubles look set to continue after the former British number one decided against playing in May's French Open at Roland Garros as she continues to recover from wrist surgery.

The 21-year-old has not played since the 2014 Australian Open after going under the knife to correct a wrist tendon problem the following April.

Robson had hoped to use her protected ranking of 58 to gain entry to the second major tournament of the year but those ambitions have been dashed by a further setback in her recovery.

The 2008 Wimbledon girls' singles champion is hopeful of returning to competitive tennis in time for the British grass court season, which could see her play at the All-England Club.

Though currently without an official ranking following 15 months out of the sport, Robson is allowed to enter eight WTA events with a temporary ranking including each of the grand slam tournaments while she can also accept wildcard offers.

After abandoning plans to stage an injury return in Arizona in February 2014, the physically demanding clay courts – not Robson's preferred surface – have now been deemed unsuitable for a return after such a lengthy hiatus.

Having climbed to a career-high ranking of 27 and reached the last 16 of two grand slams, at the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon 2013, much is expected of Robson but constant injury setbacks will temper immediate expectations of the left-hander.