Katie Boulter Kicks Off Season with a Solid Win at ASB Classic
British tennis player Katie Boulter has launched her season on a high note, securing a victory against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva at the ASB Classic held in Auckland. This match, which marked Boulter’s first competitive outing since October and her debut under new coach Michael Joyce, saw her win convincingly with a score of 6-3, 6-3 in the opening round.
Next Challenge: Facing Elina Svitolina
Having received a wildcard entry into the main draw of this WTA 250 tournament, Boulter is set to face top seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in her next match. This upcoming matchup promises to be an exciting one as Boulter looks to build on her initial success.
Australian Open Aspirations
Despite her recent victory, Boulter finds herself in a challenging position regarding the upcoming Australian Open. Currently ranked outside the world’s top 100, she was unable to secure a place directly in the main draw. As of now, she stands as the third alternate and will need a few withdrawals from others to have a shot at qualifying for the tournament at Melbourne Park.
Sonay Kartal Advances in Auckland
In another exciting development, fellow British player Sonay Kartal also progressed in the tournament. She triumphed over Indonesia’s Janice Tjen with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3. Currently ranked 68th in the world, Kartal previously made a strong impression by reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2025. She is set to face Germany’s Ella Seidel in the next round.
Conclusion
Both Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal are carving out their paths in the early stages of the season, showcasing their talents on a global stage. As Boulter aims for a strong performance against Svitolina and Kartal continues her winning streak, fans are sure to witness some thrilling matches ahead.
- Katie Boulter starts her season with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Yuliia Starodubtseva.
- Boulter will face top seed Elina Svitolina in her next matchup.
- Currently ranked outside the top 100, Boulter is vying for a spot in the Australian Open.
- Sonay Kartal advances after defeating Janice Tjen and will face Ella Seidel next.