LONDON — British tennis star Katie Boulter admitted she was "bricking it completely" before her stunning upset over former world No. 2 Paula Badosa at Wimbledon, a victory that sent the home crowd into raptures and marked a career-defining moment for the 27-year-old.
Boulter, ranked No. 89 in the world, overcame a slow start to defeat Badosa 6-3, 6-3 in a thrilling second-round match on Centre Court. The win not only advanced her to the third round of Wimbledon for the second time in her career but also solidified her status as Britain’s top-ranked women’s player. "I was so nervous walking out there," Boulter confessed in her post-match interview. "But once I got into the match, I just trusted myself."
A Rocky Start and a Stunning Comeback
The match didn’t begin smoothly for Boulter, who struggled with early nerves against Badosa’s powerful baseline game. The Spaniard broke Boulter’s serve in the opening game, but the British No. 1 quickly regrouped, breaking back immediately and then dominating the rest of the set with her aggressive forehand and precise serving.
Boulter’s ability to handle pressure was evident as she saved multiple break points in the second set, including a crucial hold at 3-3 where she fired two aces to stay ahead. "I knew I had to stay calm and take it one point at a time," she said. "The crowd was unbelievable—they pulled me through."
The Turning Point: Boulter’s Mental Resilience
Badosa, a former French Open semifinalist, had the experience advantage, but Boulter’s mental toughness proved decisive. After dropping serve early in the second set, she broke back immediately, then secured another break at 4-3 before serving out the match with confidence.
Key factors in Boulter’s victory included:
- Her first-serve percentage (73%), which kept Badosa on the defensive
- Her ability to dictate rallies with her forehand, winning 75% of those points
- Her composure under pressure, saving 5 of 7 break points faced
Badosa’s Struggles
Badosa, who has been working her way back from a back injury, struggled with consistency, committing 22 unforced errors. "Katie played really well, and I couldn’t find my rhythm," Badosa admitted. "She deserved the win today."
A Career-Defining Moment
For Boulter, the victory was especially emotional given her recent rise in the rankings and her deep connection to Wimbledon. In 2022, she reached the third round before losing to Harmony Tan, but this year, she looked more composed and determined. "This is what I’ve worked for my whole life," she said, fighting back tears. "To do it here, in front of my home crowd, is a dream."
The win also had personal significance—Boulter’s grandfather, who passed away last year, was a huge inspiration in her career. "He would’ve loved this," she said. "I played for him today."
What’s Next for Boulter?
Boulter will face either 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova or German qualifier Tamara Korpatsch in the third round. A win there would equal her best Grand Slam performance, but she remains focused on taking it one match at a time. "I’m not looking ahead," she insisted. "I just want to enjoy this moment."
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise
Katie Boulter’s victory over Paula Badosa wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement. Her fearless play, combined with her emotional resilience, suggests she could be a force in women’s tennis for years to come. As she put it herself: "This is just the beginning."
With the British crowd firmly behind her and her confidence at an all-time high, Boulter’s Wimbledon journey is far from over. Whether she advances further or not, one thing is certain: she’s proven she belongs on the biggest stage.