Coco Gauff: Britain’s Jodie Burrage struggled but exited the Australian Open as the third seed in Melbourne | Tennis news
Jodie Burrage took on Coco Gauff before losing in the second round of the Australian Open.
The 25-year-old Briton won just two games the last time the pair met on grass in 2023, but she threatened to take the player to a deciding set before losing 6-3 7-5.
Burrage missed most of last season with wrist and ankle injuries and has vowed to relish the experience of playing on one of the biggest grounds in the world.
After a nervous start at Rod Laver Arena, she did just that, showing her best tennis and really worrying third seed Gauff.
After being down 3-1 in the second set, Burrage won four straight games and served for the decider, but Gauff fought back to reach the third round.
Burrage has experience playing on Center Court at Wimbledon and Louis Armstrong Stadium at the US Open and had a look at Rod Laver Arena on her way out.
A fast night threatened when Gauff took a 3-0 lead and Burrage gave her coaching team a sigh of relief after holding serve for 15-40 in the next game.
From then on, Burrage began to play better and better, taking the initiative at every opportunity and forcing Gauff on the back foot.
The American made a set and a break, but Burrage broke serve twice in a row. However, she could not serve out the set at 5-3, and consecutive double faults earned Gauff another break at 5-5.
“It was difficult, she served very well,” said the former US Open champion. “I was just trying to work it out.
“She really raised her level in the middle of the second set. I just tried to be offensive when I could. If I was down, she was hitting to win.”
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