Teenager records surprise victory over Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli at Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament
British teenager Jodie Burrage earned a shock victory on day one of the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament as reigning Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli retired with a shoulder injury.
Bartoli had not had things all her own way even before she hurt her shoulder however, as in the first set Burrage was up 4-0. Bartoli came back to draw level but eventually the rising star from Surrey won the first set 7-5.
The second set saw Bartoli begin to flex her muscles a little more and Burrage led 3-2 when Wimbledon legend Bartoli was forced to retire for treatment on her shoulder.
Despite the injury, Bartoli will be able to play in doubles action tomorrow but for Burrage the result was overwhelming.
“I’m still a little nervous and I’m shaking,” she said. “It is such a big thing to play against a player like Marion.
“I tried to come out strong and it worked and I found myself 4-0 up. It was a bit of a shock to me and I lost focus a bit but it was a great experience.”
Tickets and hospitality packages are still available for the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament, which runs from Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, June 22 and features the reigning Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli in action on grass for the first time since she won the Venus Rosewater Dish last year.
For more information on the event, ticket prices and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.liverpooltennis.co.uk
