Vivian Yang of New Zealand leaves the court after her loss against Jodie Burrage of Great Britain. Photo / Alan Lee, Photosport
Vivian Yang of New Zealand leaves the court after her loss against Jodie Burrage of Great Britain. Photo / Alan Lee, Photosport
Kiwi Vivian Yang knows the level she needs to reach – now it is just about getting there.
The 19-year-old, who won the recent domestic playoff to gain an ASB Classic main draw wildcard, was always going to be up against it in her first-round match on Tuesday, given her lack of experience at the level.
Her task was made a little less daunting, after the injury withdrawal of second seed Elise Mertens, with the world No 34 pulling out in the morning, replaced by Brit Jodie Burrage (No 179), a “lucky loser” from qualifying.
But the gulf was still vast, as Yang had only played one tour-level match before, with Burrage just the third top 200 player she had faced. The difference showed. Yang was competitive for sustained periods – and forced nine break opportunities – but couldn’t maintain the level required for long enough, slipping to a 6-3 6-3 defeat in 1h22m.
”The biggest difference between me and the people I’ve been playing, versus these girls is the fact that they really take the opportunity,” reflected Yang. “Like the first couple of shots [in a rally] they really own that and it’s more like experience, they’re more aware of what to do on big points.”
”Game points, break points, those big points, she played really solid, and that’s something I’ve got to work on, keep doing the things I’ve been doing except doing it better on big points.”
That’s always been the battle for young Kiwis, trying to climb the ladder via infrequent opportunities at this level. Yang, who holds a world ranking of 1139, gleaned off a handful of Futures events, was aggressive – trying to take the game to Burrage – and landed some impressive forehand winners, showing glimpses of her potential, though the British player was mostly in control.
”She did make it really tough for me – a lot of credit goes to her,” said Yang. “I’ve got a lot to work on and this is perfect, the fact that now I know what I have to do in training”.
But the ebullient Yang had thoroughly enjoyed the rare centre court experience.
”I had so much fun,” said the Aucklander. “It’s an event that growing up I’ve been watching and then being a hitting partner. Then two years ago I got the privilege to play qualifying and now main draw. How cool is it to get to play tennis at the ASB Classic on the last day of 2024? “
Vivian Yang of New Zealand leaves the court after her loss against Jodie Burrage of Great Britain. Photo / Alan Lee, Photosport
For her part, Burrage admitted she was feeling fortunate, after an eventful day. She arrived at the Manuka Doctor Arena in the morning to train, ahead of an afternoon flight to Australia, before quickly changing her plans when the news about Mertens filtered through.
Yang will soon return to Pepperdine College in Los Angeles, where she has two and half years remaining on her degree, majoring in Philosophy.
”There’s so much stuff I can work with my coaches,” said Yang. “Hopefully I come back again next year and we’ll see how much I have improved.”
There was better news for local doubles pair Monique Barry and Jade Otway, who managed a 6-3 3-6 10-4 first-round victory over Georgia’s Oksana Kalashnikova and Japan’s Nao Hibino. Otway is ranked 726 in doubles, with Barry just outside the top 300 but both played well above that level to surprise their favoured opponents and reach the quarter-finals.
Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns.
