It maybe out of time. The key for the flywheel can sheer, and then hard to start or something it will pull the rope right out of your hand.
To check, take the spark plug out and pull the starter rope. Still hard to pull?
If it pull hard it could be flywheel brake, internal engine stuff or a jam under mower.
If pull easy, maybe the key.
If you are not ABLE to do the next step, TAKE IT TO THE SHOP! You could damage your engine!
Remove spark plug from engine. Remove top of engine to the flywheel. Remove flywheel nut to the top of the crank shaft. Tape the bale on the handle bar as you are mowing. With a small pry bar lift the flywheel and a little tap with a hammer on the crank nut, the flywheel should pop off. Check key is in time.