"I've got absolutely nothing to lose": Katie Boulter motivated by underdog role ahead of Rybakina clash
WTA
Katie Boulter is keeping the pressure off as she prepares to face 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. The British No. 1 acknowledged her opponent’s status as the favourite but sees it as an opportunity to play freely and find her best tennis.
The 25th seed had to rally from a set down against Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu, securing a hard-fought 6-7, 6-3, 6-0 victory in her opening match. It’s only her third tournament of the year after an injury-hit start to the season.
Boulter embraces underdog role ahead of Rybakina duel
Boulter hadn’t played since mid-January at the Australian Open due to a foot injury, which forced her to withdraw from WTA 1000 events in Qatar and Dubai. After her win over Begu, the 28-year-old admitted she struggled to find her rhythm early on.
"When I haven't played any matches for a while, I'm obviously going to come out a bit rusty," Boulter told Sky Sports. "Honestly, on the practice court, I felt a little bit undercooked and I'm still trying to look after my body."
"I think the biggest win for me today is getting through a whole match and we'll see how the foot reacts in the next couple of days. Honestly, I'm beaming with that win. Sometimes it's just about fighting and finding a way, and today I did that."
Her victory sets up a third-round encounter with 2023 champion and 7th seed Elena Rybakina, who stormed past Suzan Lamens to underline her title credentials.
"I've got absolutely nothing to lose," Boulter said. "I was playing some of my best tennis, and I'm pretty sure she absolutely kicked me off the court last time I played her. I've got no expectations."
"I'm just coming back from injury. The biggest win is getting through a match, and then playing back-to-back matches is a dream for me right now for my body. So, I'm very happy. We'll see what we can do."
Boulter and Rybakina have faced off just once before, in the second round of Wimbledon 2023. Back then, Rybakina was the third seed and defending champion, comfortably dispatching the Brit 6-1, 6-1 to extend her SW19 winning streak.
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