Katie Boulter came back from one set down to beat 2021 finalist Karolina Pliskova 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in the second round on Centre Court at Wimbledon. Boulter reaches a Grand Slam third round for the first time in her career.
Boulter beat Pliskova for the second time in as many weeks on home soil. Nine days ago the British player had beaten her Czech opponent 1-6 6-4 6-4 in the second round at Eastbourne.
Boulter went up a 2-0 lead in the first set, but Pliskova wn six of the next seven games to seal the opening set 6-3.
Boulter led by a break twice in the second set, but Pliskova came back both times to draw level on serve. Boulter won the first four points and three of the last four points to clinch the tie-break 7-4.
Boulter converted her second break point to take a 5-4 lead in the decider. The home player hit a forehand winner at 30-30 and sealed the win with a volley at the net after 1 hour and 57 minutes.
“I expect a player of that caliber to come back with better tennis. I think I started really well, and I gave away my advantage a little bit in one of the games. I was a little bit frustrated with that. From then on she picked up her game and her momentum. Pliskova is a very aggressive player. I have to stay really strong because I also know she is going to come in waves. She has been able to put it together many times, which is why she has made the final here before”, said Boulter.
Boulter dedicated her win her win to her granmother Jill, who died earlier this week.
“She is always someone who has been right into tennis from stage one. She lives just down the road from the tennis club. That’s the tennis club that I started playing tennis at. Leistershire is very close to my heart. I have spent a lot of time on the courts there with my grandparents and my family. Her favourite tournament was Wimbledon. That’s why is a special one for me. She would watch every single match, that was on TV”, said Boulter.
Boulter set up a third round match against French player Armrt Tan, who beat Serena Williams 7-5 1-6 7-6 (7-5).
“I actually watched her match against Serena. She makes it very difficult. There is a reason she has beaten some really good players this week. I expect nothing less than her to go out and enjoy herself when I play her. It’s going to be a tough battle, but ultimately I am just going to out and enjoy myself some good tennis hopefully”,said Boulter.
