Katie Boulter continued her revival in 2026 with a hard-fought victory over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the opening round of the Miami Open.
Boulter, who received direct entry into the main draw after enjoying a consistent couple of months on the WTA Tour, fought back from 6-2 down in the first-set tie break to overcome her Spanish opponent 7-6 (11-9) 6-4.
The British No 3 made a strong start in the main draw, progressing in one hour and 48 minutes to set up a meeting with 17th seed Clara Tauson in the second round.
The 29-year-old picked up her fourth tour-level title last month at the Ostrava Open and she backed up that run by reaching the quarter-finals at the Merida Open.
Despite losing in qualifying at Indian Wells, Boulter put on a strong showing in Florida saving six set points in a prolonged opening set tie-break, eventually closing it out after more than an hour of play.
Boulter maintained her level and despite being broken early in the second set, she responded by breaking back and serving out the match.
Tale of the Tape
“I know how good a player she is and the level and quality of our tennis tonight was good,” Boulter said.
“It was difficult. I felt like I was having to hit a winner or she was going to hit one.”
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