Broken net disrupts Krejcikova’s hard fought win over Burrage at Eastbourne International 2025

Emergency repairs were required at Eastbourne on Wednesday when the net broke during a match between Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova and Britain’s Jodie Burrage.

Second seed Krejcikova was serving to stay in the second set when she appeared to get lucky with a forehand that ruffled the net and dropped over onto Burrage’s side.

The eagle-eyed Burrage looked mystified at how the ball had gone over and walked to the net to discover that a hole big enough for a ball to pass through had opened up.

The point was then correctly awarded to Burrage who went on to level the match on the Devonshire Park showcourt before ground staff arrived armed with thread, cable ties and scissors to carry out running repairs.

After a short delay, the deciding set began. The 29-year-old Czech was troubled by a thigh strain and looked on the verge of being knocked out by Jodie Burrage when she served at 5-6 in the deciding set and fell 0-40 behind but she somehow turned it around to win 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3).

Krejcikova, who also saved match points on Tuesday against home player Harriet Dart, has won two singles matches in a row for the first time in an injury-hit 2025.

“Another tough match,” Krejcikova, who also has a French Open singles crown to her name, said on court.

“Brits know how to play on grass and it’s hard to play against them but happy I’m through.

“I was going through a difficult moment at the beginning of this year but I’m happy I’m here and can keep finding the level that I know I can reach.”