Friends on Court, but Dangers Lurk
Jodie Burrage, currently ranked No. 173 in the world, has made a bold and humorous vow: she will never practice with her friend and British No. 1, Katie Boulter, again. The 25-year-old British tennis player, who is back at a Grand Slam for the first time in a year, has a history of injuries when facing Boulter in practice matches. Despite their strong friendship off the court, Burrage’s experiences have left her wary. She shared, “I still have PTSD every time I run for a drop shot. I am not practicing with Katie ever again. Every time I’m on the practice court with her, I hurt myself. Genuine.”
A Troubled History
Burrage’s decision isn’t just a joke; it’s rooted in a series of unfortunate events. She had wrist surgery early last year, which was followed by an ankle injury that kept her off the court for six months. These injuries, she claims, are directly linked to her practice sessions with Boulter. “I fractured my knee against her. Done my ankle,” Burrage said. The seriousness of her injuries has taken a toll on her career, but it hasn’t broken her spirit. Instead, it has fueled her determination to avoid similar situations in the future.
A Heartwarming Gesture
On a lighter note, Burrage has a knack for bringing a smile to others, even in the most unexpected moments. Two years ago at Wimbledon, she displayed her quick thinking and kindness when a ballboy fell ill during a match. Rather than turning a blind eye, she sprang into action with a classic British combo: a bag of Percy Pigs, an isotonic drink, and an energy gel. The ballboy was revived, and Burrage’s gesture received widespread praise. It’s moments like these that highlight Burrage’s compassionate side and her ability to handle unexpected situations with grace.
Facing the Tough Decisions
Despite her success and the support of her fans, Burrage has had to confront the possibility of retirement. She reached her career-high ranking of No. 84 less than a year ago, but the injuries have taken their toll. “When I got injured, I was at my career high, which is a tough one to take. But it gives me belief that I can get back to that level,” she admitted. The road back to the top has been challenging, but Burrage’s resilience and belief in her own abilities have kept her going.
A Road to Recovery
Burrage is optimistic about her return to form. She believes that with the tennis she has been playing in the past month, she is regaining her previous level. “Knowing that I’ve been there already, it obviously gives you more belief. If someone tells me, ‘I think you can be top 50’, well, I have not been top 50, so I’m not going to believe them. But being top 100, I believe I can belong there,” she said. This self-assured statement reflects her realistic yet hopeful approach to her career.
Katie Boulter’s Dedication
Katie Boulter, currently ranked 24th in the world, is known for her intense and dedicated training sessions. While Burrage has had her share of injuries when practicing with her, Boulter’s commitment to the sport is undeniable. Burrage’s humorous declaration about avoiding Boulter in practice doesn’t detract from her admiration for her friend’s hard work and talent. As Burrage continues to push for a return to the top 100, she remains supportive of Boulter’s journey, recognizing the challenges and successes they both face in the world of professional tennis.
