Robson, Watson to warm up in Hobart

Updated December 23, 2012 12:58:36

British Olympic silver medallist Laura Robson and compatriot Heather Watson will warm up for the Australian Open at the January 4-12 Hobart International, organisers said on Saturday.

The 18-year-old Robson, who won mixed doubles silver with men's singles champion Andy Murray at the London Olympics, will make her first appearance at the Tasmanian tournament headlined by former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy.

Watson, 20, who became Britain's first WTA champion in 24 years with her win at the Japan Open in October, returns for her second appearance after playing this year's tournament as a qualifier.

The Australian Open starts January 14.

Reuters

Tags: tennis, sport, hobart-7000, tas, australia

First posted December 22, 2012 13:30:59

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Watson beats Chang in Osaka final

Updated October 14, 2012 19:48:33

Heather Watson edged past Chang Kai-chen of Taiwan at the Japan Women's Open tennis tournament on Sunday to become the first Briton in 24 years to win a WTA title.

The 20-year-old Watson, having played her first WTA final, squandered one match point when one set and 5-4 up but hit a double fault.

She had to save four match points in the final set before winning 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4).

She became the first Briton to win a WTA title since Sara Gomer at Aptos back in 1988.

Until a few weeks ago no Briton had even reached a WTA final in 22 years until Laura Robson broke the drought with her run to the final in Guangzhou, China.

AFP

Tags: tennis, sport, japan

First posted October 14, 2012 19:48:33

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