Lexus Eastbourne Open 2025: Jodie Burrage books a second round clash with Wimbledon champion
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Jodie Burrage was the first Briton to get a victory on the board on a busy second day at the Lexus Eastbourne Open, knocking out Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima.
Burrage defeated the world No.72 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour to reach the second round for a third consecutive visit.
It’s her first WTA Tour win on the grass this year after losses at the HSBC Championships and Lexus Nottingham Open.
“It was fun getting the win but obviously the conditions out there were pretty tough,” said Burrage. “I played well considering and served well in the wind, which isn’t easy. Very happy to get through.
“It felt like I really needed that win today, the last few weeks have been tough, I’ve had some close matches, so I’m really happy.
“It’s not easy down here. I’ve played a few matches down here before and it’s been similar. It’s blustery out there and sometimes you just have to find a way and play ugly tennis.”
Eastbourne has been a happy hunting ground for Burrage – who picked up her career-best win over then world No.4 Paula Badosa at the tournament in 2022.
She will need to replicate that form tomorrow as she gets set to face reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
The Czech star fended off two match points to beat Britian’s Harriet Dart 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-5 in the first match of the day.
“I know she obviously had a battle with Harriet,” Burrage said looking ahead to the second round.
“(She’s) Wimbledon champion, Barbora will play some great stuff but I’ve proven that I can beat anyone of this surface and I think it will be an interesting match.”
Dart fought back to win a second set tie-break after the Czech star served for the match at 6-5 and then held a 2-0 lead in the decider.
The Briton looked in full control as Krejcikova’s error count continued to pile up in the windy conditions on Centre Court. Dart had two match points at 5-4, 40-15, but the former Eastbourne quarter-finalist sent the next ball wide before Krejcikova saved the second with a drop shot volley.
Having been broken back, Dart seemed to lose all momentum and let out a scream after a mistake that helped her opponent hold for 6-5. With the match on the line, Krejcikova broke to love to see out her first career victory in Eastbourne.
“It was a really tough match,” Krejcikova said after the match. “I expected Harriet would play well as she’s a home favourite and she loves to play on grass.
“We are quite close also outside the court, so I expected it to be tough. To be honest in the third set when I was down and having gone two match points down I was kind of already in the locker room – I’m happy I turned it around.”
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