BATTLING BOULTER BITES BACK

FIRED-UP Katie Boulter said she was proud of her fightback from a set down in a fiery contest.

The British No.5 grittily came through 6-7 6-3 6-4 against the USA’S Danielle Lao in a match of several controversial calls.

Boulter, 24, who faces world No.4 Aryna Sabalenka in the second round, admitted her battle on Court 17 had been a tough one. “It wasn’t

■ by TONY BANKS pretty,” said Boulter (left), ranked 217 in the world. “But I fought so hard, found a way.

“I felt everything was going against me.

“There was one point where she did a double bounce and the umpire didn’t see it. There were a couple of calls I ended up challenging and happened to be right four times.

“I forgot they had Hawkeye on that court – it was four big points. It was super difficult to stay mentally strong.

“I’m so proud of myself because I kept my head down and got the job done. I’m a fighter. I’m not going to go anywhere.”

As for facing Sabalenka, who beat her in straight sets at the Australian Open in 2019, Boulter said: “I know what to expect.

“I know she’s a power player. She’s ranked where she is for a reason.” Katie Swan, who became the first British woman in 20 years to fight her way through Wimbledon qualifying, found the experienced Madison Keys too much in her first-round clash, going down 6-3 6-4 to the 23rd seed.

Swan said: “I’m disappointed. Madison is a great player.

“I knew it was going to be tough. I missed some chances which were few and far between. When I got them, I wasn’t able to take them.”

Jodie Burrage lost 6-2 6-1 to the USA’S Lauren Davis and Heather Watson lost in a third-set tiebreak to American Kristie Ahn.

Jo Konta, who had to pull out after a member of her team tested positive for Covid-19, said on social media: “I would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and continued support.”