• Australian Open

Robson handed Jankovic clash after British pair qualify

ESPN staff
January 14, 2012
Laura Robson reached the Australian Open main draw for the first time © Getty Images
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Laura Robson's reward for qualifying for Australian Open is a first-round clash with former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic.

Robson, who was born in Melbourne, beat Olga Savchuk 6-1 7-6(2) to book her place in the main draw of the first grand slam of 2012.

She will meet 13th seed Jankovic on Margaret Court Arena on Monday, where the Serb will be the overwhelming favourite to progress to the second round. However, Robson will not be intimidated by the experience, especially after she gave Maria Sharapova a scare when the pair met at Wimbledon last year.

Robson is one of six British players competing in Melbourne, with Elena Baltacha, Anne Keothavong and Heather Watson also in the women's draw.

James Ward joined Andy Murray in the men's draw after beating Igor Sijsling 7-6(5) 6-2 to book his place in his first grand slam outside of Wimbledon.

Ward will meet Slovenia's Blaz Kavcic in the first round in Melbourne, with a potential second round clash against former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the offing.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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