She beat Lola Radivojevic in a match which featured a thrilling second set tie break.

Watson won the first set 7-5 before forcing the tie-break in the second. She won two match points which she was unable to convert, while her opponent created seven set points before taking it 16-14.

But it was a smoother final set for Watson, who won that 6-2, to book her an appearance in the second round of qualifying in Australia for the first time since 2022.

That game is due to take place at 11pm UK time tonight against world number 128 American Varvara Lepchenko.