Once again, yet again, for the Brits at the Australian Open it’s all down to Andy Murray.

Heather Watson’s breakthrough victory last weekend at the Hobart International – when she became the first British woman since Anne Hobbs 30 years ago to win two WTA titles – raised expectations that for once, Murray wouldn’t be left to fly the Union Jack on his own at Melbourne Park this year.

The large travelling British media pack had made a late dash down to Tasmania to see Watson beat American Madison Brengle in the final and lift her world ranking to a career-high 38.

But the 22-year-old was unable to continue that form in what shaped as a very winnable Australian Open first-round clash against Tsvetana Pironkova, with the Bulgarian triumphing 6-4 6-0.

Watson has assumed the role of British women’s No.1 in the enforced absence of Melbourne-born former Wimbledon girls champion Laura Robson, who has been sidelined since early last year with a serious wrist injury.

Kyle Edmund – who earned a spot in the main draw by beating Australian Dane Propoggia in the final round of qualifying – fell 6-4 6-4 6-3 to American Steve Johnson on Tuesday.

Countryman James Ward got off to a flying start against 2009 Australian Open semi-finalist Fernando Verdasco but the Spaniard was able to rally and win their opening-round encounter 2-6 6-0 7-6 (8-6) 6-3.

Which leaves Murray in the familiar role of carrying British hopes (or Scottish hopes depending on your geopolitical outlook) on his shoulders.

The two-time major winner and No.6 seed takes on Australian Marinko Matosevic in the second round on Wednesday.