Heather Watson: Andy Murray "great role model" for British youngsters

Heather Watson has revealed that she feels "blessed" to have been given the chance to play alongside Andy Murray recently.

The 22-year-old yesterday became the first British woman in 20 years to claim two WTA titles when she saw off Madison Brengle 6-3 6-4 in the Hobart International final.

That will act as the perfect preparation heading into the first Grand Slam of the season, where she will join fellow Brits James Ward, Kyle Edmund and Murray.

Having teamed up with Murray at the recent Hopman Cup mixed event, Watson was quick to credit the 2013 Wimbledon winner for his influence on other young players.

"He's a great role model for us British players to have," she is quoted as saying by ESPN. "I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to play with him and just see how professional, hard-working and competitive he is.

"He's such a good person to look up to, he's so nice and friendly. I learnt a lot from him on and off the court."

Watson will face Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova in the opening round of the Australian Open, which gets underway in the early hours of tomorrow morning.