Katie Boulter has shot against ‘vulnerable’ champion Elena Rybakina on Centre Court at Wimbledon 

If Katie Boulter can harness the support of her adoring public, she has the chance to score a major upset on Centre Court today against a ‘vulnerable’ defending champion.

That is the view of Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong, who saw plenty of reasons to be optimistic ahead of Boulter’s third-round clash with Elena Rybakina today.

The Kazakh No 3 seed had a virus in the build-up to Wimbledon and hasn’t convinced in her opening two rounds.

‘Rybakina hasn’t come into this year’s Championships playing lots of tennis,’ said former British No 1 Keothavong. ‘This is a good time to play her, she has looked vulnerable at times.

‘If you were in Rybakina’s shoes, you’re up against a British No 1 who the public are now familiar with, who will have the majority of that crowd supporting her.

‘It is a situation I don’t think Rybakina has found herself in anywhere around the world too often. Katie, she’s a big-match player, she will absolutely love it. 

‘It won’t be a daunting experience for her. It’s not the first time for her going out on Centre Court. So having had that experience, that will help carry her.’

Rybakina is a fearsome ball-striker with a formidable serve, but Boulter (right) is comfortable fighting fire with fire against big-hitters.

She beat former finalist Karolina Pliskova here last year and ran Aryna Sabalenka very close the year before that.

Keothavong also believes Boulter’s relationship with Australian No 1 Alex de Minaur has been a positive factor.

‘Alex is so down to earth and lovely,’ she said.

‘In a cute kind of way, they are very supportive of each other. You can tell how much they care for each other.

‘If you’re settled in your personal life then your work life becomes a lot easier.’