Katie Boulter produces emphatic win at Japan Open


Katie Boulter claimed a dominant win in her rain-affected first round match against Himeno Sakatsume in the Japan Open.

The British player was a set and 3-1 up against the home favourite when play was halted because of bad weather in Osaka on Monday.

She completed the win on Tuesday as she secured a 6-3 6-1 victory.

“Yesterday was a tough spot to end at,” said Boulter, who will play Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland in the second round.

“I wanted to play last night and continue, but with the rain, unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.

“It meant that I had to have the same mindset again today and just try to get over the line and focus on getting through the match.

“I think I did that. I didn’t want to be out here playing a third set so I’m pleased with today.”

Boulter, 30, took five of nine break points in the match and, even though she faced 13 break points, wildcard Sakatsume only managed to take one.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Iga Swiatek elected to end her season before the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, with the world number nine and six-time Grand Slam winner withdrawing from the Ningbo Open because of a thigh injury and announcing her year on tour is over.

The Finals, which feature the top eight singles players and doubles teams of the year, take place from 8-15 November.



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