Jodie Burrage reveals 'hardest part' of injury hell as British star sets Grand Slam goal for comeback

Last year saw Burrage break into the world's top 100 where she won first-round matches at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

She looked primed to kick on further in 2024 after making her Australian Open main draw debut and then reaching her first WTA 500 quarter-final at the Linz Open.

But her progress came to a sudden halt after suffering an injury to her wrist during practice at the San Diego Open in February.

That was the start of a hellish six months for Burrage, who is an ambassador for Del Monte, with multiple setbacks along the way before finally getting back to competitive tennis in September.

She told GB News: "I certainly faced some challenges, and I would call this the hardest mental challenge of my career.

"This was two back-to-back injuries, including the fourth surgery of my career, and I think the setback in the middle was the hardest part.

"I fought hard to get back for the French Open, and to get injured again in my last session at home before that was a blow.

"I tried to approach things differently when I was injured. We have a great setup at the NTC [National Tennis Centre], but it was also important for me to get away every few weeks to switch off.

"Having Ben (her boyfriend) in the South of France made it easier to get away and switch off… and the South of France isn’t bad either!"

Burrage has now dropped roughly 200 places in the rankings to 284th in the world, but she's already putting in the groundwork to reverse that trajectory.

This week's ITF event in Portugal will be Burrage's seventh tournament since making her return at the Jasmin Open qualifiers in September.

She's already climbed up from 332nd in the world and getting back inside the top 100 is part of her ambitions heading into next year.

Staying fit and injury-free is her biggest goal, but Burrage is also hopeful of making her mark at one of the four Grand Slams.

"Career-high rankings are always on a player’s mind, but it cannot be the main factor that motivates you," she said.

"Looking ahead, in 2025 I would love to get back to playing consistently and if I do that, I know I can get back into the top 100, we can then go from there.

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"I’m focusing on staying fit, consistent, and making sure my nutrition is spot on to support my performance. If I can do that, I know the ranking points will come!"

She added: "2025 - the main objective is to stay fit and put in a long run of good competitive tennis.

"I would love to repeat some of the successes I’ve had at Grand Slams and make the most of the protected ranking opportunities that I will get early in the year.

"I’m excited for it, I anticipate it will be a big year for me."