British tennis player Jodie Burrage is set to make her main-draw debut at the Australian Open, leading the British contingent on the tournament's opening day. Ranked 102nd in the world, Burrage faces Germany's Tamara Korpatsch in her first-round match on Sunday. The Australian Open, featuring extended play over 15 days, sees reigning champions Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka in action during the night session.
Novak Djokovic, aiming for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open men's singles title, will play against Croatian teenager Dino Prizmic, while Aryna Sabalenka takes on German qualifier Ella Seidel. The tournament's extension to 15 days is intended to reduce late-night finishes, although its practical impact remains uncertain.
Jodie Burrage's direct entry into the Australian Open reflects her ascent in the past year, breaking into the world's top 100 after notable performances, including reaching the Nottingham final and securing her first Grand Slam main-draw win at Wimbledon in 2023.
As one of seven British players in the singles main draw, Burrage acknowledges the pressure to continue improving. Despite contemplating quitting the sport in 2020 due to injuries, she now aims to secure a place in the top 100 this year and subsequently target higher rankings.
Burrage's immediate goal is to solidify her position, acknowledging the importance of staying injury-free to have a clear path to larger tournaments. Britain's women's team captain, Anne Keothavong, emphasizes the significance of Burrage building self-belief and feeling comfortable competing at the WTA level.
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