OSAKA — Katie Boulter produced an emphatic start at the Japan Open, completing a rain-affected 6-3 6-1 victory over home wild card Himeno Sakatsume in Osaka to reach the second round.
The British world number 58 was a set and 3-1 ahead against the home favourite on Monday when bad weather forced play to be halted, returning on Tuesday to close out the win in straight sets. The 30-year-old converted five of nine break points, while Sakatsume managed just one from 13 opportunities despite creating sustained pressure on the Boulter serve.
"Yesterday was a tough spot to end at," said Boulter, who will play Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland in the second round. "I wanted to play last night and continue but with the rain, unfortunately, that wasn't possible. It meant that I had to have the same mindset again today and just try to get over the line and focus on getting through the match. I think I did that. I didn't want to be out here playing a third set so I'm pleased with today."
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek's hopes of reaching the WTA Finals have suffered a setback after the world number nine withdrew from the Ningbo Open because of a thigh injury. The Finals, which feature the top eight singles players and doubles teams of the year, are taking place from 8-15 November.