Wimbledon: British No. 1 Katie Boulter was left stunned after beating Daria Saville in the first round of Wimbledon, but Jodie Burrage and Heather Watson were knocked out on Wednesday.
Just two hours after the initial protest, Boulter was down 4-2 in the first-set tie-break when a protester stormed onto Court 18 and tossed confetti and jigsaw pieces.
However, after a brief pause, Boulter took the next five games to take the first set and then stormed through the second set to advance to the second round with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 triumph.
She admits to being in “shock” at what transpired but believes the tournament would react appropriately.
When asked if she was concerned, Boulter responded, “Certainly, you never know what it is. I believe I heard the throng before I saw it.
“I realised what it was after seeing it in the previous match. It was clearly a rude awakening for the system. I believe we both handled it admirably. It’s a terrible scenario for everyone involved.
“I wouldn’t say I felt threatened. I was a long way away from it. I was walking on the other side.
“I’m sure there will be a reaction to what’s happened, and there will be more security or whatever they need to do to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“I’m not concerned about it. I’m going to concentrate solely on myself. I intend to continue playing tennis. That is where I will be. Yeah, perhaps we can continue for a few more days.”
The 26-year-old is on a roll, having won her first WTA Tour title in Nottingham at the start of the grass-court season, and as the highest-ranked British player, she will be hoping to make a long run at her home Grand Slam.
Boulter, on the other hand, had to do it the hard way, as she had to begin the match – which had been halted 28 hours earlier due to heavy rain – serving to stay in the first set, but produced a service hold to love.
However, after just 10 points of the restart, and behind 4-2 in the tie-break, a protester jumped onto the court, and play was once again delayed.
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