• Wimbledon

Sears defends British 'chokers'

Elena Baltacha served for the match against Petra Martic © Getty Images

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The head of British women's tennis has launched a staunch defence of Britain's leading players following their opening-round collapses at Wimbledon.

Nigel Sears, the Lawn Tennis Association's head women's coach, has rejected claims Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong are "chokers", after both players threw away commanding positions in their first round matches. Baltacha failed to serve out the match against Croatian teenager Petra Martic, while Keothavong lost six consecutive games after taking a 4-0 lead in the deciding set.

Sears believes the unhealthy pressure put on British players to perform at their home tournament contributed to the disappointing results at the All England Club.

"I am particularly disappointed for the girls, because I know that obviously, as the focal point of the British tennis calendar, they would have wanted to come out with their very best results here. I don't think it's a reflection of the progress they have made over the last couple of years," he said.

"I wouldn't call Anne or Bally a choker because I've seen them be very brave and come through some very tough matches. It's more to do with the fact that it's Wimbledon and they definitely feel more pressure here. Our expectation level needs to be constantly checked.

"For our players to reach the second week of grand slams, which is our long-term objective, that has to correlate with their rankings. There have been encouraging signs with the way the rankings have moved with the girls. Anne last year was a career-high 47 and I'm hoping she can get back to that level and go further. Bally is having her best year ever at 52."

However, Sears praised Laura Robson after the 16-year-old held her own against fourth seed Jelena Jankovic. The 2008 girls' champion battled valiantly before eventually falling to a 6-3 7-6(5) defeat.

"Laura showed just how much her natural left-handed game is suited to grass," Sears said. "If she can trade with someone ranked four in the world like that on this stage, at her age, I think we have many fine Wimbledons to come for Laura in the future. I was impressed with the way she handled the situation."

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