Jodie Burrage Triumphs at Australian Open After Injury-Plagued Year

The British player, who nearly retired two months ago, secures an emotional first-round win and sets up a second-round clash with Coco Gauff.

Jodie Burrage defeated France's Leolia Jeanjean 6-2, 6-4 in the first round of the Australian Open, marking her first Grand Slam win since August 2023.
Burrage, 25, has battled significant injuries over the past year, including wrist surgery and a ruptured ankle ligament, which saw her ranking plummet outside the top 300.
After considering retirement in late 2024, Burrage ended the year with a major ITF tournament victory in Dubai, reigniting her career ambitions.
Harriet Dart, another British player, also advanced to the second round as a 'lucky loser,' securing a hard-fought 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (10-7) win over Croatia's Jana Fett.
Burrage faces world No. 3 Coco Gauff next, a formidable opponent she previously lost to in straight sets at the 2023 Eastbourne International.