Boulter wins Ostapenko slug-fest in Eastbourne

Katie Boulter defeated big-hitting former grand Slam winner Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 7-5 on Wednesday to power into her home quarter-finals at Eastbourne.

The British no. 1 rode the wave from last weekend’s Nottingham title to victory over the 2017 Roland Garros winner in two hours, with the Latvian fifth seed forced to save 13 of the 18 break points she faced.

Boulter leds the WTA with the most grass wins this season (7)  heading into the Monday start at Wimbledon,

The No. 32 advanced to the last eight on her first match point against the Eastbourne titleholder from 2021.

“I was trying to slap a little harder than she was,” Boulter said. “It’s so tough to play here.

“The match is completely in her control, I had to be aggressive and make her play each ball.

“But it all paid off so I’m very happy.”

Boiler said that she is in her comfort zone on the South coast grass at Devonshire Park.

“Winning Nottingham took a lot of pressure off of me. Before that I was not sure what to expect on the grass.

“I’m enjoying myself, I have nothing to lose. I’m just swinging away and having fun. It’s just the best feeling playing on the grass.

Ostapenko was defeated here for only the seventh time from 24 matches.