Rothesay Open Nottingham 2024: Katie Boulter is ‘feeling the love’ as she progresses into quarter-finals
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It was business as usual for defending champion Katie Boulter as her quest for back-to-back Rothesay Open Nottingham titles took another step forward into this year’s quarter-finals.
The British No.1 beat Canada’s Rebecca Marino 6-4, 6-3 in an hour and 16 minutes and will now play fifth seed Magdalena Frech up or Lexus Surbiton Trophy runner-up Tatjana Maria in the next round.
After a three hour plus contest against Harriet Dart in her opening round match, the Brit was pleased to come through in straight sets with another solid performance.
“I thought it was a very good match today – it was much more about being quicker behind the ball,” Boulter said.
“I wanted to come out here with a lot of energy and I felt like from the first ball to the very last I tried to bring it as much as possible.
“I’m starting to build a bit of momentum; I’ve still got a long way to go to reach my best tennis but these are the matches that will give me confidence.”
Boulter proved a level above in the day’s third match on Centre Court and bar a single break leading 3-0 in the second set, it was a relatively comfortable win for the 28-year-old.
The victory takes Boulter to seven straight wins out on Nottingham’s show court, which is becoming somewhat of a lucky stadium for the British star, who is relishing the home support at the place she used to train growing up.
“I’ve got a lot of memories here, mainly ones I remember as a kid,” she said. “When I’m here I’m just playing and I’m swinging, there’s no pressure.
“It’s so nice to feel the love which I always get here in Nottingham and it’s a place that’s close to my heart.
“I have such good memories on that court, and I don’t know what it is but it does bring good vibes for me. I think a lot of my best tennis comes when I have a really good atmosphere around me and going into that tunnel gives me that every time I step out.
“I hear that same speech about being British No.1, etc and it reminds me that I’ve been here a few times, and it takes you back to the good parts.”
Boulter could be joined in the quarter-finals by Emma Raducanu, who plays Daria Snigur tomorrow, as well as Fran Jones.
However, Heather Watson bowed out in the second round to former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-4.
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