‘They hoped I would get cancer' – Katie Boulter reveals shocking online abuse she suffers
Sun never looked like making a move in a contest that Boulter dominated. After battling through a gritty opening service game in which she saved four break points, Boulter swept her opponent aside by producing immaculate length on her ground strokes.
Sun enjoyed a breakthrough season last year, charging up the rankings from being outside the world 200 at the start of 2024 to finishing inside the top 40. She was an unlikely grand slam quarter-finalist after edging past Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon, but has since struggled for consistency.
Her pedigree on grass counted for nothing against Boulter, who drew on the creature comforts of a place where she has shown a winning formula in recent years. 'I wasn't feeling amazing coming into this match,' said Boulter. 'I felt like it's been quite windy the last couple of days [and I've] just been trying to find my rhythm. Just stepping out on to this court, already I feel I'm right back at home. That's a nice feeling to have.'
Boulter, who was overtaken by Raducanu as British No 1 after bowing out in the second round at Queen's last week, knows she must go on a deep run at Nottingham if she is to sneak into the seedings for Wimbledon.
The 28-year-old sits at 39 in the live rankings, with the top 32 seeded for the Championships, and she faces British No 3 Sonay Kartal, who earlier beat Leolia Jeanjean in straight sets, in the next round.
Boulter has had her fair share of all-British clashes at this event, having beaten her close friend Jodie Burrage in the final to land her maiden WTA title two years ago.
'I've played enough of them now. It's just another match for me,' said Boulter. 'I have so much respect for Sonay. She's an incredible tennis player and I know how good she can be and dangerous. I know it's going to be an absolute battle.'
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