Heather Watson
Watson wins second career title ahead of the Australian Open. Getty

Heather Watson has won her second WTA title at the Hobart International after beating Madison Brengle in straight sets.

The British number one sealed 6-3, 6-4 victory on Saturday without dropping a single set all week ahead of the Australian Open which begins on Monday.

Watson, 22, went 3-1 down in the opening set against her American opponent but recovered in style to become the first British woman since Anne Hobbs in 1985 to win a second tour title.

She will begin her Australian Open campaign against Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria on Tuesday.

Watson won her maiden WTA title two years ago but her career was derailed after suffering from glandular fever. Following her recovery, she started last season outside the world 100 but ended 2014 in the top 50, with Saturday's victory lifting her to a career-best 39.

"It's all coming together, I'm feeling very confident, very fit," Watson said. "When I won Osaka in 2012, it was more of a surprise. But here, I feel like I belong.

"I'm obviously very happy. It was tough conditions again today, very windy, and I knew Madison would be tough – we know each other very well on and off the court and we practise a lot in Florida.

"It really was my toughest match of the week. I was happy I stayed mentally strong and managed to get ahead and hold my nerve at the end."