Boulter books a second British win at Eastbourne

Katie Boulter lived up to her status as British No. 1 as she fought through a tricky tiebreak scenario to advanced to the Eastbourne second round 6-1, 7-6 (8) on Tuesday over Petra Martic.

The unseeded winner joined compatriot Emma Raducanu in advancing at home, with Raducanu putting out Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-0.

Boulter, ranked 32nd on the WTA, carried momentum from her weekend grass title at Nottingham – her second this season after also winning San Diego – onto the courts of this seaside resort town as she defeated the lucky loser form qualifying rounds.

 The girlfriend of Australian Alex de Minaur swept the opening set against her Croat opponent in 27 minutes but had to battle for more than twice as long to win the second set and the match.

Boulter saved three Martic set points in the second and benefitted from a line-call protest on match point which gave her another second serve. 

She finished with an untouchable winner against the 2023 quarter-finalist here after coming from 5-1 down in the tight decider.

Boulter lost to Martic here a year ago in the opening round and was happy to turn the table in the re-match.

“It was super stressful, I had the loss from last year in my head, so I was happy to turn this one around,” the winner said. “The tiebreak was more dramatic than I had hoped.

“It’s great to come back here and play well. I got the win so I’m happy.

“Petra is a big fighter and makes it tough for you.”

The British national pacesetter is naturally pointing all of her efforts at Wimbledon, which begins on Monday.

“I have nothing to lose this week, I just want to get more practice on the grass – we all need that.

“I’m happy to be playing another match.”

Main photo:- Katie Boulter celebrates winning in San Diego