READYING for the eventual return of international tennis, a Battle of the Brits team event has begun in Roehampton, London, with 40 singles matches and 20 doubles matches playing out over the next seven days featuring Britain’s top male and female talent. Organised by Jamie Murray, the event features two mixed teams – Union Jacks and British Bulldogs – with the intention of gaining some crucial time on court prior to the initial return of the ATP and WTA Tours and eventual US Open, which is scheduled for early September.

In an interesting set of circumstances, 14th ranked Johanna Konta was downed by youngster Jodie Burrage in straight sets, while Cam Norrie was too good for top ranked Brit Dan Evans though in a much tighter contest. Konta was overwhelmed by Burrage, with the 21-year-old currently ranked 283rd in the world and defeating the top 20 player 6-4 6-3. The 77th ranked Norrie did not have it quite as easy against 28th ranked Evans but was clinical in his approach with the 4-6 6-3 10-7 victory.

With the two highest ranking Brits down and out after their first matches, this opens up a question about the readiness of many players heading into a refurbished season with little to no preparation against quality opposition behind them. While plenty of top British names are taking part in the Battle of the Brits and raring to go on court, many other nations do not have the same opportunity and capacity to bring together its top talent, whether because of timing issues or differentiating COVID-19 rates and restrictions, which could ultimately see a plethora of those top tier players from both the WTA and ATP Tours be on the back foot prior to the return of the international tour.

Konta’s loss to a young player far lower than her in the rankings speaks for itself – this is Burrage’s first win over a top 100 player, even though it will not be official on the WTA Tour records – and while this was Konta’s first match since the suspension of the Tour back in March, it could be a worrying sign for those who have not had opportunities and facilities for practice matches during the lockdown. 

Konta has since pulled out of the Palermo Open, following Simona Halep’s withdrawal earlier in the week and putting further doubt in the calibre of competition.