Boulter’s perfect timing

KATIE BOULTER has endured virtually a full house of injuries, but has rediscovered her form and fitness just as Wimbledon is approaching.

The 25-year-old from Leicestershire scored a second excellent win at the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham to make the quarter-finals, beating France’s former world No 4 Caroline Garcia 7-6, 6-1. But she now faces a severe test against former Wimbledon champion Simona Halep after the Romanian thrashed Harriet Dart 6-3, 6-2. Boulter has had problems with her back, elbow and, most recently, leg.

‘I’ve worked so hard the past few weeks with my injury,’ said Boulter. ‘It makes it feel worthwhile and all the tough moments that I went through, that really got me through.’ From a singles entry of seven, the British challenge at Queen’s Club is down to the unlikely figure of world No 180 Ryan Peniston, who plays Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo today.

That was after Jack Draper lost 6-2, 7-6 to Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori. Draper was well beaten by the world No 56, who looks a formidable talent. ‘There’s not many times I get outplayed but it felt like today was one of those days,’ admitted Draper, who will head to Eastbourne next week for more big-match experience ahead of Wimbledon.