Watson ruled out of Auckland

British number three Heather Watson will miss the opening tournament of the new season in Auckland next week after suffering an ankle injury.

It is a blow for the 19-year-old, who earned big points in New Zealand last year by coming through qualifying and reaching the quarter-finals.

Watson, who is confident of being fit for the Australian Open warm-up tournament in Hobart in two weeks' time, said on Facebook: "Unfortunately I will not be playing in Auckland, because I sprained my ankle badly."

She added: "It's very frustrating, but Auckland is one of my favourite tournaments of the year and I'm looking forward to playing it next year because I love the event. Hobart will now be my first tournament of the year."

Watson, ranked 92nd in the world, can at least take comfort from being a direct entrant into the Australian Open, where she will play in the main draw for the first time.