British pro Heather Watson has opted to remain positive following her exit from the Australian Open.

The 21-year-old succumbed to a 7-5 3-6 6-3 defeat at the hands of Daniela Hantuchova in the first round.

"I felt I was close throughout the match - I had plenty of chances and didn't take them," BBC Sport quotes Watson as saying.

"I've played 10 matches already this year - if you'd told me that last year I would have taken it in a second. Even though I might be dropping in the rankings, I'm not worried as I've improved as a player."

Watson is currently ranked 121st in the world.