HEATHER WATSON will be under pressure in Australia next month after injury delayed the start of her 2012 season by a week.

The 19-year-old Sarnian (pictured), currently ranked 92nd in the world, was due to start her year in the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, but she has suffered a badly sprained ankle.

It was an event that the teenager enjoyed a fine run at to reach the quarter-finals at the beginning of 2011, accumulating 86 ranking points, which she is now unable to defend.

She confirmed the withdrawal on her official Facebook page, where she also explained her disappointment at missing the tournament.