Katie Boulter crashed out of Wimbledon in the first round, losing 6-4 6-2 to 18-year-old qualifier Tyra Caterina Grant in just over an hour on Court 3. The British No2 struggled throughout, hitting eight double faults and 21 unforced errors in a ragged display. Grant, ranked 172nd in the world, did not face a single break point in the match.
British misery continues at SW19
Boulter's defeat added to a dismal start for British players at the tournament. All ten Brits in action on the opening day were beaten, and Boulter was unable to reverse the trend early on Tuesday. This was the first time in nine years that she has lost in the first round at Wimbledon.
Boulter walked out to a warm reception but the mood quickly turned flat as her second serve let her down. Two double faults in a game gifted Grant a break and a 2-1 lead, which proved decisive in the first set. Boulter grew frustrated, both with herself and the technology, asking for a ball to examine for chalk marks after a Grant ace was deemed in.
Grant dominates from start to finish
Grant held to 15 to seal the set and never looked back. More double faults from Boulter followed, and Grant broke again to move 2-1 ahead in the second set. The Italian looked at home on grass, producing a sublime drop volley and a forehand winner to consolidate the break. One break became two as Boulter looped a forehand long, giving Grant three break points; she took the second with a powerful pass down the line.
Boulter was unable to put any pressure on Grant's serve throughout the match. One match point was all Grant needed to secure the biggest win of her career, leaving the court in tears as the magnitude of the occasion dawned on her.
