Robson was born in Australia, moved to Singapore and then the UK aged six

British teenager Laura Robson has been awarded a wildcard to play in Australian Open qualifying this month.

The 15-year-old sparkled alongside Andy Murray at the Hopman Cup in Perth, beating world number 26 Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in the final.

Qualifying begins on 14 January and Robson, ranked 403rd in the world, will need to survive three rounds to reach the main draw at Melbourne Park.

"Laura's had a quick rise on the scene and deserves this," a spokesman said.

"We're excited that we can recognise her success and look forward to seeing her in Melbourne."

Robson first came to prominence by winning the girls' singles title at Wimbledon in 2008.

606: DEBATE Still lots of areas for improvement but the main positive point for me is that her feet are firmly planted on the ground, despite the hype D_Oracle

The young left-hander's only previous appearance at senior level in a Grand Slam came at Wimbledon last year when she was handed a wildcard into the main draw before losing to Daniela Hantuchova in the first round.

Saturday's victory over Sanchez Martinez was her first over a top-30 player, although it will not officially go down on her record as the Hopman Cup is not a tour event.

"Today was really good in singles," said Robson, who turns 16 on 21 January.

"I knew I could play that well it was just maintaining it throughout the match and I'm going to go into Melbourne full of energy."

Robson said her chances of qualifying at the Australian Open "depends on the draw and everything else" but she added: "I'm there for the juniors anyway."

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