Jubilant Jodie Burrage revelled in a dramatic opening round victory as she battled her way into the second round of the LTA’s Rothesay Open Nottingham.
Kingston’s Burrage, who is supported by the LTA’s Pro Scholarship Programme, edged her way past Czech star Tereza Martincova 7-6 (5) 3-5 7-6 (4) in a thrilling three-hour contest on Tuesday afternoon.
It was a pulsating contest in which the 24-year-old was at one stage just two points from defeat, with the world No.131 rallying late in the decider to book a meeting against third seed and Australian Open semi-finalist Magda Linette.
Victory was Burrage’s first grass court win of the season and she was thrilled that her aggressive game style was able to come to fruition against her more experienced opposition.
“I’m so proud that I managed to get through that, I was battling through demons there for sure in that match,” she said.
“It was just one of those where you’ve got to try and deal with what you’ve got on the day and I’m really proud that I managed to get through it.
“I think I hit the back fence a few times, so it’s definitely all or nothing. Physically I have to be on it as well, I have to give everything.
“I can’t be one of those people who can be just calm and stay the same throughout the match, I have to be one of those people who gets myself going.”
Burrage’s opening round match took place on Centre Court in Nottingham, in front of a passionate home crowd that threw their support behind the 24-year-old from outset.
And the 24-year-old admitted she was grateful for the home support throughout the dramatic encounter.
She added: “The fans got me through that, especially in that third set.
“I really had to fight and they helped me do that. My team as well, that match wasn’t easy to watch so thank you to them. It really helps.”
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