Jodie: Body blows a sore point

TENNIS ace Jodie Burrage has shot to British No5 in the rankings - but she’s had to battle abuse about her body image along the way.

- BY JAMES MOORE

Now, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Friday, the 26-year-old has talked to the Daily Star about the toll that online trolls have taken on her wellbeing.

She says: “I've had to deal with it throughout my whole career. It’s tough, and it’s not easy to deal with. I try not to look at my phone after a loss because a lot of the abuse I get is about my body image.

“The abuse has an effect and not enough is being done about it. But at present I have to accept it’s part of the job and deal with it.”

Thankfully the London-born star has found mechanisms to help her cope. She explains: “The support of my friends, family, and team is so important. I've also worked with a mental health coach. I've also tried to have a more relaxed perspective and focus on being happy and healthy first and foremost, and the tennis will follow. I love to get out and enjoy a walk or a run and that helps me de-stress.”