PARIS — Katie Boulter’s French Open campaign came to an end in the third round as she fell to seventh seed Madison Keys in straight sets, marking the conclusion of British interest in the women’s singles at Roland Garros. The 27-year-old, who had been aiming to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time, was unable to overcome the American’s power and precision, losing 6-4, 6-2 in just over an hour.
Boulter, ranked 26th in the world, had shown promise in her earlier matches, including a hard-fought victory over former world No. 1 Paula Badosa. However, Keys’ aggressive baseline game and formidable serve proved too much to handle. The British No. 1 struggled to find her rhythm, committing 22 unforced errors and winning just 56% of points on her first serve.
A Tough Battle Against Experience
Keys, a US Open finalist in 2017, brought her wealth of experience to the match, dictating play with her heavy groundstrokes and quick court coverage. Boulter fought valiantly, particularly in the first set, where she saved three break points before finally succumbing to Keys’ relentless pressure. "She’s a top-10 player for a reason," Boulter said afterward. "I knew I had to bring my best, but she was just too solid today."
The second set saw Keys tighten her grip on the match, breaking Boulter twice and closing out the victory with a blistering forehand winner. Despite the loss, Boulter remained positive about her progress on clay, a surface she has historically struggled on. "I’ve learned a lot this week," she reflected. "I’m proud of how I competed, and I’ll take these lessons into the grass season."
British Hopes Rest on Doubles
With Boulter’s exit, British hopes in the women’s singles at Roland Garros are over for another year. However, there remains a chance for British success in the doubles events, where several players are still competing:
- Heather Watson and partner Caroline Dolehide advanced to the second round.
- Neal Skupski continues his mixed doubles campaign with Desirae Krawczyk.
Boulter’s performance in Paris, though ending in defeat, has reinforced her status as Britain’s leading female player. Her rise up the rankings this season has been notable, with strong showings in tournaments such as San Diego and Stuttgart. "Katie’s growth on clay has been impressive," said British Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong. "She’s proving she can compete on all surfaces."
Keys Advances with Confidence
For Keys, the victory sets up a fourth-round clash with either Jelena Ostapenko or Bernarda Pera. The 29-year-old, who reached the semifinals in Paris last year, looks in formidable form. "I’m feeling really good about my game," Keys said post-match. "I’ve been working hard on my consistency, and it’s paying off."
Keys’ ability to dominate with her serve—she fired six aces and won 78% of first-serve points—was a key factor in her win. Her coach, Juan Todero, praised her focus: "Madison executed the game plan perfectly. She stayed patient and took her opportunities when they came."
Looking Ahead to Grass Season
Boulter’s attention now turns to the grass-court swing, where she will aim to build on her strong performances from last year. She reached the third round at Wimbledon in 2023 and won her first WTA title in Nottingham. "Grass is where I feel most comfortable," she admitted. "I can’t wait to get back out there and play in front of the home crowd."
While her French Open journey ended earlier than she hoped, Boulter’s progress this season suggests brighter days ahead. With Wimbledon just weeks away, British fans will be eager to see if she can make a deep run on her favorite surface. For now, though, the spotlight shifts to the remaining Brits in doubles, keeping hopes alive for British success in Paris.