Laura Robson’s return to the All England Club may have lasted less than two hours, but the Wimbledon star is accentuating all the positives.

The 21-year-old lost in straight sets to Russia’s Evgeniya Rodina (6-4 6-4) this afternoon to exit the Wimbledon Championships in the first round.

However, it was only Robson’s second competitive game in 18 months after missing the entirety of last season with a wrist injury.

Her first match back, in the Aegon International in Eastbourne, lasted less than an hour, and she won only one game.

This time round, and only 10 days later, Robson still showed rusty moments – including 45 unforced errors – but she insists the improvement is there to see.

“Compared to the match I played last week, today was infinitely better. There were so many positives from today that I can go back and work on,” she said.

“I was the one hitting winners, but I know I was the one hitting unforced errors, as well.

“But in terms of finishing points better, moving better, serving better, it's all things to work on and things to take into the next few much smaller tournaments.”

She added: “I've been very patient for the last year and a half, so there's no reason to rush it now. I've got a doctor and a physio who definitely won't let me do that anyway.

Your Local Guardian:

Eyeing a return: Laura Robson went down 6-4 6-4 in the first round of her long-awaited return to Wimbledon

“We're going to train for another couple of weeks and then play some smaller tournaments and some WTAs towards the end of the year.”

Robson’s injury has not only prevented her playing over on the tour, it has stopped her seeing her tour friends.

However, the junior Wimbledon champion of 2008, admitted there has been an upside to being away from the tennis scene.

She said: “In a way, it's been good being away from the tour. I've been able to see my family a lot more. I've kind of had a normal life for the past year.

“But I've definitely missed being on tour. It's been a nice thing to be back in the locker room. “There have been some good chats in the locker room, a couple dinners with old friends. It’s been nice to catch up with everyone.”