HEATHER WATSON has been handed a glorious opportunity to win her first match in  three attempts at the  Australian Open in Melbourne.

Despite a superb 2012 that saw her rise to world number 47, the 20-year-old has never won a Grand Slam match on a hard court, despite it being regarded as her best surface.

But after the misfortune of drawing Victoria Azarenka this time last year and winning just a single game, Watson will this time go in as favourite against Alexandra Cadantu.

The Romanian is ranked at number 89 in the world and despite beating Watson on clay in their one previous meeting, has a poor Grand Slam record.