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Battle of the Brits: Johanna Konta loses to Jodie Burrage on opening day


Venue: National Tennis Centre, Roehampton Dates: 27 July – 2 August
Coverage: Follow live streaming of two courts on the BBC Sport website, BBC Sport app and BBC iPlayer from 11:50 BST every day.

British number one Johanna Konta was beaten in her first match since March as Jodie Burrage caused a shock at the Battle of the Brits on Monday.

Konta, ranked 14th in the world, was understandably far from her best and lacked fluency in a 6-4 6-3 defeat.

Burrage, 21, has reached the final in two LTA tournaments recently and looked sharp in a confident performance.

“It feels amazing to win against such a great player. I feel overwhelmed,” said the British number seven.

“I was surprised how I played. When I found out I was playing her I was nervous and didn’t want to get hit off the court.

“This morning I was excited to get out there and swing. I didn’t have any pressure.”

After her defeat, Konta confirmed she was pulling out of next week’s Palermo Open – the first WTA event since March – to focus on events leading up to next month’s behind-closed-doors US Open.

The 29-year-old is the highest-ranked player competing in the Battle of the Brits, a unique event featuring the country’s leading men and women at the National Tennis Centre.

Two teams – led by non-playing captains Judy Murray, Greg Rusedski, Leon Smith and Anne Keothavong – are chasing points in singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches.

Burrage’s win gave the Union Jacks an early lead before the British Bulldogs fought back for a 9-4 overnight advantage after day one in Roehampton.

British men’s number one Dan Evans lost his opener against Cameron Norrie in three sets, while there were also singles wins for Kyle Edmund, Heather Watson, Emma Raducanu and Aidan McHugh.

Joe Salisbury and Harriet Dart extended the Bulldogs’ advantage with a thrilling triumph over Jamie Murray and Watson in Monday’s final match, winning the final eight points to clinch a 7-5 3-6 10-8 victory.

The event has been organised by Jamie Murray to provide competitive action for British players while the professional tours remain suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Former world number one Andy Murray is playing only in the doubles because he does not want to take any risks with his fitness.

The 33-year-old Scot, who has dealt with pelvic and shin injuries since major hip surgery last year, is also continuing to prepare for the US Open in New York.

Monday’s results

Union Jacks 4-9 British Bulldogs

(Results show Union Jacks first)

Centre court:

Jodie Burrage 6-4 6-3 Johanna Konta

Dan Evans 6-4 3-6 7-10 Cameron Norrie

Anton Matusevich 5-7 3-6 Kyle Edmund

Katie Boulter 4-6 3-6 Emma Raducanu

Jamie Murray/Heather Watson 5-7 6-3 8-10 Joe Salisbury/Harriet Dart

Court one:

Ryan Peniston 4-6 6-3 7-10 Aidan McHugh

Lloyd Glasspool/Naomi Broady 6-4 6-2 Dom Inglot/Eden Silva

Heather Watson 7-5 6-4 Beth Grey

Dan Evans/Lloyd Glasspool 4-6 6-7 (3-7) Dom Inglot/Alastair Grey

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Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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