Boulter Stuns Noskova to Advance at Japan Open

Katie Boulter Upsets No.17 Noskova at Japan Open

Katie Boulter claimed one of the biggest wins of her season by defeating world number 17 Linda Noskova in straight sets at the Japan Open in Osaka. The British number three took down her higher-ranked Czech opponent 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 in a confident 1-hour 36-minute performance.

The victory sends Boulter into the second round, where she’ll face Romania’s Sorana Cirstea, who came from behind to beat home favourite Moyuka Uchijima 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.

First Top-20 Win Since Wimbledon

This marks Boulter’s first top-20 victory since ousting Paula Badosa at Wimbledon in July. After a disappointing run of five first-round exits in her last seven tournaments, Boulter was determined to play on her own terms:

“I just tried to bet on myself – to commit to the ball and go for it. Against someone like that, you have to win the match, because they’re not going to lose it,” she told reporters.

In a tightly contested first set, both players exchanged three breaks of serve, but Boulter took charge in the tie-break, winning it 7-3. She raised her level in the second set, winning 78% of points on serve, compared to just 51% in the opener.

British Rankings Shift

After her dip in form, the 29-year-old Boulter recently slipped behind Sonay Kartal in the national rankings. However, this victory reaffirms her status as a threat on hard courts and could help boost her ranking and confidence in the closing stretch of the season.

Osaka Dominates Opener

Meanwhile, top seed Naomi Osaka opened her campaign with a dominant 6-0, 6-4 win over Sonobe Wakana to book her spot in the second round. The home favourite is tipped as one of the contenders for the title in her return season.

Next Matches – Japan Open Women’s Draw:

• Katie Boulter vs Sorana Cirstea

• Naomi Osaka vs TBC