Tennis ace targets a place in the top 100...

WOODHOUSE EAVES tennis ace Katie Boulter is targeting a place in the top 100 in 2018 after a fantastic 2017 which saw her break into the world’s top 200 for the first time in her career.

Boulter (21) reflected on an injury-free 2017 season which saw her win an ITF title in Turkey, reach the final of three other tournaments and play in the main draw of the ladies singles and doubles at Wimbledon for the first time in her career.

“It feels really good to have had an injury free year, I have a great team around me guiding me through.

“Each tournament I go into the ultimate goal is to make back end of the week. It was great for me to play a lot of matches early and gain some confidence as it can make a huge difference. However I’m happy to have been able to keep it consistent throughout the year.”

She said she was delighted to have been awarded a wild card to play at Wimbledon and the whole experience had been fantastic.

“Wimbledon is such a special place to play, everything exceeded all my expectations including the support I received. I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Boulter ended the year ranked inside the Top 200 for the first time in her career at 198 and now is aiming to climb even higher and break into the world’s top 100.

“Going into last season my main focus wasn’t on achieving a specific ranking, but rather on improving my game and the process behind it. It’s always good however to improve your ranking and I’m pleased to have broken into the top 200.

“In 2018 I’m hoping to reach the top 100, but the main thing for me at this point in my career is to keep on building my game and make it a platform for a strong year.”

Boulter’s first aim for 2018 is to qualify for the first major of the year, the Australian Open, and her ranking gives her direct entry into the qualifying tournament which takes place from Jan 10-13.

She has been in Australia since last week, after spending time with her family over Christmas, and was in action in Auckland on Friday and Saturday, bidding to qualify for the main draw of the WTA Auckland Open.

She beat Sacha Jones 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 in the first round but then lost 1-6 1-6 to Belgium’s Ysaline Bonaventure in the second round of qualifying.

Katie Boulter plays a backhand during the Ladies Singles first round match against Christina McHale on day two of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Katie Boulter in action against Danielle Collins during the 2017 US Open qualifying tournament in August. (USTA/Pete Staples)

after winning the Katie Boulter pictured with her trophy in Turkey. women’s singles title at the Lale Cup