Jodie Anna Burrage receives the winner's trophy. — Supplied photos
Jodie Anna Burrage, the recent champion at the annual Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge, expressed her desire to return for the 'next few years.' 'I absolutely adore playing in Dubai, and that's probably the main reason I want to come back and play here next year and in the coming years,' Burrage said after her straight-sets victory over the tournament's top seed, Polina Kudermetova. Burrage secured her 6-3, 6-3 win against Kudermetova in just 64 minutes, in front of a weekend crowd at the Habtoor Grand Resort tennis courts on Sunday evening. This triumph marked her most significant career title on the ITF circuit, following her victory against Italy's Lucia Bonezetti in three sets to claim the $60,000 Open de Seine-et-Marne in France in April 2023. Her previous best performance was on the same court, where she defeated Yulia Hatouka to win the $25,000 ITF Dubai in April 2021.
'Dubai is becoming quite special to me,' Burrage said, smiling through tears of joy. 'I came here without any expectations, and now I've just won the biggest tournament of my career. I believe I've done well for myself and boosted my confidence with this win. It couldn't have come at a better time,' Burrage added.
The Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge started as a $25,000 (AED 91,250) event, which was later upgraded to a $75,000 tournament from 1999 to 2015. In 2016, it was further elevated to a $100,000+H competition on the ITF Women's Circuit. Initiated by Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, the annual tournament has successfully promoted the development of women's tennis in the UAE and the region, while enhancing the sport's profile across the Arab world. With top seed Kudermetova struggling with a stiff shoulder, Burrage seized the opportunity, breaking early for a 2-0 lead. A medical timeout did little to help Kudermetova, as her British opponent swiftly closed out the opening set in half an hour.
Although Kudermetova managed an early break in the second set, Burrage quickly regained control, securing a couple of breaks to become the new champion of this annual $100,000 tournament. 'I truly love playing here, and I will be coming back to Dubai many more times,' Burrage promised. Among those who joined her on the court was Veronika Kudermetova, the older sister of runner-up Polina. 'It's been a long and tough week of tennis for me. A final is never easy as anyone can bring their best game on that day,' Polina said. 'It's the end of the year, and now it's time to rest for a few days before heading to Australia,' she added.
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