Receiving direct entry into the main draw in Melbourne for the first time was indicative of Burrage’s improved form over the past year.
But the manner in which the 24-year-old unravelled against Korpatsch illustrated the work she needs to do to achieve this season’s goal of cementing a place in the world’s top 100.
The afternoon had started well for Burrage. Returning well and using her power from the baseline to push her opponent deep, she earned two break points in third game and took the first when Korpatsch hit long.
The Briton took a second opportunity to move 4-1 ahead, putting away a crosscourt forehand winner which demonstrated her growing confidence, and served out to take the opening set in 28 minutes.
Korpatsch, who beat Burrage twice at the end of last season, went for a six-minute bathroom break in an effort to regroup.
It seemed to work as the world number 81 discovered a higher level in the second set.
Korpatsch continued to make the points longer, drawing more errors out of Burrage from the baseline and the increased pressure led to Briton producing back-to-back double faults to gift her opponent a 4-2 lead.
Burrage survived a set point as she served her way out of trouble for 5-3 and threatened to break back in the ninth game before Korpatsch got over the line to level.
With momentum against her, Burrage looked increasingly edgy and it showed as her returning game continued to break down in the decider.
Another double fault helped Korpatsch move 3-0 ahead, while three unforced errors from the baseline handed over a triple break to the German.
Burrage’s annoyance was illustrated when she whacked a ball out of the court, earning her a warning from the umpire, with Korpatsch wrapping up victory with a confident hold.
While questioning why Korpatsch’s bathroom break took so long, Burrage said it did not disrupt her.
“I think she just regrouped herself. I don’t think she played too well in the first set, but I also obviously managed to dominate,” she added.
“I kind of lost my way in the second set and didn’t enjoy playing in the [windy] conditions as they picked up a little bit.
“I found it tough to serve in that wind and when it gets windy, it’s not as easy to play. That’s just what I need to learn to do.
“I need to learn to have a bit of a plan B because there was no plan B there today.”
