JODIE Burrage has shared how she almost walked away from tennis following three ankle surgeries, sharing how she got “back on the horse” to break her Wimbledon duck.

Burrage, who attended Talbot Heath school in Bournemouth, caused somewhat of an upset in the first round of the women’s singles at Wimbledon, defeating American Caty McNally, who is ranked 67th in the world.

The victory, combined with reaching the final of the Nottingham Open last term, will likely see Burrage enter the top 100 when the rankings are refreshed in two weeks’ time.

Having reached her first final on the WTA tour last month at Nottingham, a first victory at Wimbledon proved vindication for Burrage's decision to stick with the sport after ruminating over an early retirement after multiple struggles with injury.

She thanked her family for keeping her on track, sharing: "After my third ankle operation, my mind had decided that that was it.

"That was my tennis career done.

"But I somehow got back on the horse with help from family and friends, and my boyfriend as well, that really helped push through that not-so-nice time.

"To sit here saying I've won my first round at Wimbledon, hopefully going to be in the top 100 in two weeks, I was not expecting that, but I'm very happy that it's happened."

Burrage will face Daria Kasatkina in the second round tomorrow, with the Russian currently placed 10th in the world rankings.

Winners of first round ties earned £55,000, whilst another underdog victory for Burrage would see her win a further £85,000.