Thursday was a successful day for the British hopes at Wimbledon 2023, with both Liam Broady and Katie Boulter recording impressive victories.
For Boulter, she took the long route against Viktoriya Tomova, winning the match 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 in one hour 43 minutes to make the third round at Wimbledon.
Speaking to the media following her victory, Boulter has explained why the way that she won this match bodes well for her upcoming clash against defending champion Elena Rybakina.
Boulter pleased with Tomova win, despite mid-match hiccup
“I think it’s really important for me to get through matches like that,” was Katie Boulter’s response when asked her thoughts on the second round match she’d just completed.
Elaborating on her statement, Boulter continued:
“She’s obviously a top player. She plays week in, week out against players like me. She knows how to win a lot of matches. She beat the seed yesterday. I was expecting a tough match.
“She came out, and I was playing some really good tennis in the first set. I expected a reaction to the first set, and she definitely came back and gave me a lot more trouble in the second, and third, as well.
“I tried to dig deep, as much as I could, and stick to my game plan, back myself. Today it paid off.”
The world No 89 will need her game plan to continue producing results for her if she’s to keep this Wimbledon streak alive, as an even tougher prospect looms in the form of Elena Rybakina next.
“I’ve got nothing to lose” – Boulter looking forward to Rybakina challenge
Despite the fact that she’s up against one of the best players in the world next, Katie Boulter is upbeat about her chances of progressing through Wimbledon’s third round later this week.
“I think it’s a super great opportunity for me,” Boulter explained about her impending clash against the defending champion Rybakina. “I’ve got nothing to lose. She’s clearly the defending champion for a reason.”
“I’m going to have a swing and go for it. I’ve got a lot of tennis behind me. It’s time for me to test my skills against an incredible champion.”
Rybakina herself has had a challenging path so far, coming out on the right side of a three-set tussle with Shelby Rogers in the first round, before navigating a tight 6-2, 7-6 (2) win over Alize Cornet most recently.
“It really gives you something else” – Crowd support key for Boulter against Rybakina
While Elena Rybakina certainly has an advantage over Katie Boulter when it comes to their respective rankings on the WTA Tour, one factor that will play into Boulter’s hands is the crowd.
The British player has already experienced the benefits of playing in front of her home fans, explaining what it’s like to have a stadium behind her:
“When you hear the roar from the crowd, it really gives you something else.
“I think my adrenaline really spurs on when I hear it. Even just walking on to the court, I had a huge smile on my face today because everyone was cheering. It really doesn’t get any better than that. It’s like pinch-me moments.
“You’ve just got to remind yourself that this doesn’t happen every day. I make the most of it.”
