Wimbledon: Following an early departure at Eastbourne, British No. 1 Katie Boulter believes her confidence has not been shaken ahead of Wimbledon.
In an interview released on Monday, Boulter declared her desire to become the world’s top-ranked player after winning her first WTA circuit championship in Nottingham on June 18.
But she didn’t capitalise on her opportunities on Tuesday, falling 6-4, 7-5 to world No. 30 Petra Martic in the Rothesay International.
The 26-year-old’s defeat in two hours and five minutes at a stormy Devonshire Park follows her withdrawal from the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham last week to limit her preparations for SW19.
“It wasn’t bad tennis – I’m playing someone ranked 30 in the world, I’m having a go at her,” said Boulter, who was originally scheduled to face world No 10 Barbora Krejcikova until a rescheduling due to the withdrawal of defending Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina.
“Of course, it was tough conditions, but that could happen at any tournament, including Wimbledon, and I have to be ready for it and try to play the best I can on the day.
“Ultimately, her experience showed today, and she performed better in crunch time.”
“I feel like I’m playing really good tennis right now. Every day this week, I’ve practised really hard. I’ve played seven matches before the grass, and I’m pleased with where I’m at.
“I don’t think I’ve lost confidence in the last few weeks simply because I lost to higher-ranked players.” I don’t feel that way at all.”
Heather Watson was eliminated shortly after Boulter after losing to Italian Camila Giorgi.
Watson, one of two fortunate losers who benefited from the withdrawals of defending champion Petra Kvitova (fatigue) and Anastasia Potapova (right shoulder), was defeated 6-3 6-4.
“I was prepared because I heard yesterday that Kvitova wasn’t going to play,” Watson explained. “I was overjoyed to have another chance, but she was too good today.”
Liam Broady won the battle of the Britons in the men’s draw, defeating fellow Wimbledon wildcard Jan Choinski in straight sets.
The British No. 5, who is rated 147 in the world, 20 places higher than Choinski, won 6-3, 6-4 after breaking serve at the first opportunity in each set.
Following his own break in the sixth game of the second, German-born Choinski momentarily threatened a comeback, but Broady instantly struck back before capitalising on his third match point.
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