Laura Robson suffers first-round loss to Sloane Stephens in Hobart

British number two Laura Robson has crashed out in the first round of the Moorilla Hobart International at the hands of Sloane Stephens.

Robson, who was competing in her final tournament prior to the Australian Open, lost 6-4 7-6 to the eighth seed, who is ranked 68th in the world.

A single break of serve in the opening game of the match was enough for Stephens to claim the first set.

The American then led 3-1 in the second, only for Robson to fight back and force a tie-break, which she lost 7-4.