Katie Boulter beats former world No 4 Caroline Garcia to reach the last eight of the Birmingham Classic as she rediscovers her form and fitness with Wimbledon fast approaching
- Katie Boulter beat France’s former world No 4 Caroline Garcia in straight sets
- She next faces former Wimbledon champion Simona Halep in the last eight
- Boulter is starting to find form at the right time with Wimbledon approaching
Katie Boulter has endured virtually a full house of injuries, but has rediscovered her form and fitness just as Wimbledon is approaching.
The 25-year-old from Leicestershire scored a second excellent win at the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham to make the quarter-finals, beating France’s former world No 4 Caroline Garcia 7-6, 6-1.
But she now faces a severe test against former Wimbledon champion Simona Halep after the Romanian thrashed Harriet Dart 6-3, 6-2. Boulter has had problems with her back, elbow and, most recently, leg.
Katie Boulter beat Caroline Garcia 7-6 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Birmingham Classic
‘I’ve worked so hard the past few weeks with my injury,’ said Boulter.
‘It makes it feel worthwhile and all the tough moments that I went through, that really got me through.’
From a singles entry of seven, the British challenge at Queen’s Club is down to the unlikely figure of world No 180 Ryan Peniston, who plays Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo on Thursday.
Boulter has struggled with injuries but is rediscovering form just before Wimbledon
Boulter has a tough test coming up against ex-Wimbledon champion Simona Halep
That was after Jack Draper lost 6-2, 7-6 to Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori.
Draper was well beaten by the world No 56, who looks a formidable talent.
‘There’s not many times I get outplayed but it felt like today was one of those days,’ admitted Draper, who will head to Eastbourne next week for more big-match experience ahead of Wimbledon.
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