NOTTINGHAM — Two-time defending champion Katie Boulter led a strong British contingent on Tuesday, securing her place in the second round of the Nottingham Open alongside three compatriots in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Boulter, the tournament’s top seed, overcame a spirited challenge from qualifier Rebecca Marino of Canada, winning 6-4, 6-3 in a match that showcased her trademark resilience. The victory extends her unbeaten streak at the Nottingham Open to eight matches, dating back to her first title run in 2022.
Speaking after the match, Boulter emphasized her connection to the event: "This tournament holds a special place in my heart. Playing at home with this incredible support gives me an extra boost, and I’m determined to keep fighting for every point."
British Success on Grass
Boulter wasn’t the only Briton to advance on Tuesday. Heather Watson, Jodie Burrage, and Harriet Dart also secured victories, marking a dominant day for the home players. The Nottingham Open, a key warm-up event for Wimbledon, has often been a happy hunting ground for British players, and this year is proving no exception.
Watson, a former British No. 1, battled past Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch in a tight three-setter, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3. Meanwhile, Burrage dispatched Ukraine’s Daria Snigur in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, and Dart overcame a slow start to defeat France’s Caroline Garcia 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Key Performances
The standout performances from the British quartet included:
- Boulter’s clinical serving, winning 78% of first-serve points
- Watson’s tenacity in a grueling two-hour, 45-minute battle
- Burrage’s aggressive baseline play, firing 22 winners
- Dart’s remarkable comeback after dropping the first set
Boulter’s Title Defense Begins
Boulter, now ranked 30th in the world, is aiming to become the first player since Ashleigh Barty (2018-19) to win three consecutive Nottingham Open titles. Her victory over Marino demonstrated her comfort on grass, a surface that suits her powerful serve and flat groundstrokes.
Marino, a former top-40 player, pushed Boulter early, breaking her serve in the opening set. However, Boulter responded emphatically, breaking back twice to seal the set. In the second, she tightened her game, dictating rallies with her forehand and closing out the match with an ace.
Reflecting on her performance, Boulter said: "Rebecca is a tough opponent, especially on grass. I had to stay patient and trust my game. It’s a great start, but there’s a long way to go."
Looking Ahead
Boulter will face either Magdalena Fręch of Poland or fellow Briton Fran Jones in the second round. Watson is set to take on Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina, while Burrage meets Belgium’s Greet Minnen. Dart, meanwhile, awaits the winner of the match between Tatjana Maria and Yulia Putintseva.
With four Britons already through and more in action on Wednesday, the home crowd has plenty to cheer for. The Nottingham Open continues to serve as a crucial stepping stone for British players ahead of Wimbledon, which begins on July 1.
As Boulter put it: "This is where we build momentum. The support here is unbelievable, and it gives us all confidence going into the bigger tournaments."
The Nottingham Open runs until June 16, with the winner earning 250 ranking points and a significant boost ahead of the grass-court Grand Slam. For Boulter and her compatriots, the dream of lifting the trophy on home soil remains very much alive.
In other matches on Tuesday, second seed Magda Linette of Poland advanced with a straight-sets win over American Ashlyn Krueger, while fourth seed Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine was upset by Australia’s Kimberly Birrell in three sets.
The tournament’s early rounds have already delivered drama, and with Boulter leading the British charge, the excitement is only set to grow. As the grass-court season heats up, all eyes will be on Nottingham to see if the home favorites can continue their winning ways.