Boulter shines to give Britain control
Turning out for your country in the Billie Jean King Cup can be seen as a selfless act, given the absence of ranking points or prize money. And yet, these events often serve as springboards for a player’s season.
After yesterday’s action at the National Tennis Centre, one wonders whether Katie Boulter, the British No9, could become the latest beneficiary. Boulter made a slowish start against Marcela Zacarias, but then cranked up her level to deliver a 7-5, 6-0 thrashing to the Mexican.
Boulter has played only a handful of tour-level matches since her last appearance in this competition, two years ago, left her with a spinal stress fracture.
“I was a little nervous at the start because of the occasion,” Boulter said. “But once I had toughed out the first set, I thought I played some really good tennis in the second.”
This has already been a diverse season for Boulter, whose ranking of No291 is unrepresentative of her ability. She made an encouraging start in Australia, beating teen prodigy Coco Gauff, before her protected ranking ran out and she had to revert to entry-level events in Egypt.
“I’d like to get my ranking back up,” said Boulter, who peaked at No82 shortly before the injury.
Great Britain will start today with a 2-0 lead, needing only one more point to clinch the tie. Heather Watson, who beat Giuliana Olmos last night 7-5, 6-1, will have the opportunity to finish the job against Zacarias this morning.