Laura Robson pips rival Heather Watson to prestigious award

The 18-year-old, who beat fellow British player Heather Watson to the award, defeated former grand slam champions Kim Clijsters and Li Na to reach the fourth round of the US Open in September.

She then became the first British woman to make the singles final at a WTA Tour event in 22 years, in Guangzhou, while she also won an Olympic silver medal in mixed doubles alongside Andy Murray.

Robson began the year ranked 131 and will finish it at 53, four places below 20-year-old Watson, who bettered her compatriot by winning the WTA Tour title in Osaka last month.

“It’s a huge honour to have won the 2012 WTA newcomer of the year award,” said Robson, who is the first British player to win one of the awards since Virginia Wade was named player of the year in 1977.