Jodie Burrage is happy to be back in the big time at the Australian Open after considering quitting during six months of injury hell.
The former British No.2 underwent wrist surgery last March and then ruptured ankle ligaments just before the French Open.
Burrage returned to the third-tier ITF Tour last year – and won a December title in Dubai – before returning to the Grand Slam stage on a protected ranking.
“Last year was really, really tough and I’m really appreciating being back in this sort of environment now,” said the former world No.85.
“When I got here, I was like: ‘This is where you want to be’. Even things like getting picked up from the airport by official vehicles and getting new balls for practice, which was a massive one for me with my wrist
“Did I consider quitting? Yeah, yeah. The week before I made the final in Slovakia, I was basically crying mid-session saying I don’t know how much more fight I’ve got.
“But for some reason, I love this crazy sport. That’s what kept me going. I feel like my level is only just surfacing. I was at a career high when my wrist happened. The last few weeks I’m starting to see that level that I want to get back to. And then I can see myself going higher.”
Burrage will face French world No.149 Leolia Jeanjean in the first round.
