Heather Watson praises Andy Murray after winning Hobart title

Watson and Murray lost to Jerzy Janowicz and Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in the Hopman Cup

Heather Watson paid tribute to fellow British number one Andy Murray after winning her second WTA title in Hobart.

Watson, 22, became the first British woman to win two tour titles since Anne Hobbs in 1985 with victory on Saturday.

She joins compatriots James Ward and Kyle Edmund in the singles for the Australian Open, along with Murray.

"He's a great role model for us British players to have," said Watson, who teamed up with Murray at the recent Hopman Cup mixed event.

"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," said Watson, who beat American Madison Brengle 6-3 6-4 in the Hobart final.

"I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to play with him and just see how professional, hard-working and competitive he is.

"It was great for me to see that and it gave me a boost, thinking he's my partner. I'm sure he's helping the other guys."

Hobart was Watson's first title with new coach Diego Veronelli

Watson is the only British woman in the Australian Open singles after Johanna Konta and Naomi Broady lost in qualifying, while Laura Robson continues her recovery from a wrist injury.

"I definitely don't feel lonely because of the guys, they've done great," said Watson.

"James looks like he's playing great, Liam Broady was unfortunate to lose in the last round of qualifying and Kyle got through.

"I actually warmed up with Kyle one day in Florida and I remember finishing the practice thinking, 'Holy cow, how heavy is his ball?' He was working really hard so he deserves to get through."

Robson, who is 21 on Wednesday, has not played since last year's Australian Open and has slipped to 941 in the rankings, but Watson is confident her Fed Cup team-mate will get back to her best when she returns next month.

"I saw Laura a lot in my off-season; it's unfortunate she's not here," she said.

"She's probably sick of not being able to play but I'm sure when she comes back she's going to be so motivated, so fresh, so determined that she'll have no trouble."

Watson won her first WTA title in Osaka two years ago before her career was derailed by a bout of glandular fever, and Saturday's victory takes her to a new career-high ranking of 38.

"I'm very happy to get another title, it's important for me to get the silverware," said the Briton, who plays Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

"It's a big thing for me to win the tournament. Coming into the Australian Open it's given me a lot of confidence."