Laura Robson has been beaten by Kirsten Flipkens in straight sets in the first round of the Australian Open.

Robson started poorly with a double fault to lose her first service game. Flipkens then held to take an early 2-0 lead.

The match went with serve until 5-3, when Flipkens returned well and won a short rally to secure the first set with only 27 minutes played.

The Belgian continued her good play in the second set, breaking early to again put her opponent under pressure. After holding her serve, Flipkens then came out on top in a nine-shot rally to move 4-0 ahead.

After that it was a formality as she held before breaking Robson once more to wrap up a 6-3 6-0 victory.