BOULTER BOWS OUT TO LETHAL OSAKA WIMBLEDON 2018

KATIE BOULTER was rudely woken from her Wimbledon dream by the thwack of Naomi Osaka’s serve. The 21-year-old wildcard gave a fine account of herself against the Japanese No 18 seed but was defeated 6-3, 6-4 in the second round. The British No 3 created plenty of chances but her opponent served superbly on the big points, saving seven of eight break points. ‘It’s been spectacular,’ she said of her first outing on a Wimbledon show court. ‘It’s something I’ve always dreamed of. To be able to compete with a top-20 player is something I’ve imagined myself doing. Now I’m actually doing it. I have surprised myself a little bit. ‘At the same time, I know the work that I’ve put in. I think it’s been a really good experience for me playing over the grass. It puts me in a good stage for the rest of the season.’