Wimbledon 2024: Katie Boulter & Jack Draper victories set up clashes with British No.2s

02/07/24 • Three minute quick read

The top-ranked British players Katie Boulter and Jack Draper began their 2024 Wimbledon tournaments with victories, leading to two all-British matchups in the second round.

Boulter had a tough match against former semi-finalist Tatjana Maria, but managed to win 7-6(6), 7-5 after two hours and seven minutes. This win sets up a match with Harriet Dart in the next round.

Discussing her strong performance against Maria, Boulter mentioned, "I am aware that Maria reached the semi-finals here a few years back, and I can clearly see why."

"She is a challenge on the court, a tough opponent who really pushes me to give my all. I am excited to relax in an ice bath after this intense match, something I have never looked forward to before."

I have been performing well in my tennis matches. Regardless of the outcome of this tournament, I am proud of my ranking and will continue to work hard and persevere.

The British player encountered difficulties at the beginning of the match, falling behind 3-0 to her opponent from Belgium. However, she managed to recover and win the first set in a tie-break. Despite Maria's strong performance, Boulter persistently wore down the 63rd ranked player in the world, eventually earning the crucial break needed to advance to the next round.

Boulter has now advanced to the second round, along with Dart, Emma Raducanu, Lily Miyazaki, and Sonay Kartal. This is the first time since 1987 that five British women have made it to the second round at SW19.

A much-anticipated match between two British players is coming up for the 27-year-old on Thursday. This match is expected to be very exciting to watch. The top British player has won 6 out of their 7 previous matches, so they will be feeling confident going into this upcoming match. They already won the last time they played against each other at the Rothesay Open Nottingham just last month.

Boulter mentioned that playing against a British opponent on the grass in the UK is always challenging, and she is preparing for a tough match.

I have competed against this opponent several times in the past, so I will review those matches and consider my strategy moving forward. When I step onto the court, my main focus will be on the tennis ball itself rather than the individual I am playing against. Despite being teammates in the Billie Jean King Cup, I must try to put that aside and concentrate solely on the game of tennis.

In the meantime, Britain's newest top-ranked men's player, Draper, won a long and challenging match against Mikael Ymer. The match ended with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, setting Draper up to play against fellow Brit, Cam Norrie, in the second round.

The player seeded 28th was unable to compete in the tournament last year because of an injury. They made a dramatic comeback this year, winning the match in five sets after falling behind in the first set. The match lasted three hours and 17 minutes.

I couldn't be here last year, unable to participate. I'm sure you were looking forward to seeing Andy, but ended up with me instead.

I really enjoy performing in front of a large audience, so I want to say thank you for all the support. There were some anxious moments, but I am grateful for all the encouragement. It means a great deal to me.

The 22-year-old was supposed to play on Court 2, but when Andy Murray pulled out of the singles competition earlier in the day, Draper was given the chance to compete on the biggest stage in tennis.

The up-and-coming talent has often acknowledged the former top-ranked player for his guidance during the beginning of his career, and tonight's performance seemed like a perfect way to honor his sports hero on the main court.

It is truly a privilege to follow in the footsteps of great players like Tim Henman, Andy Murray, and Cam Norrie. I wanted to take a moment to thank Andy specifically; I truly admire him as a person off the court. He is so funny, genuine, and unique. Andy is not only a fierce competitor, but also a true champion. I am grateful for his influence in my career. Thank you.

Draper will now shift his focus to his next match against Norrie, his previous opponent, after easily winning in straight sets against Facundo Diaz Acosta with scores of 7-5, 7-5, and 6-3.

This will be the third time they face each other on the ATP tour, with Norrie emerging victorious in their previous encounters at the cinch Championships in 2021 and the Miami Open in 2022. However, Draper is coming into this match with a lot of confidence and momentum after winning his first tour-level title at the Boss Open and defeating reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at the Queen's Club. It's clear that anything can happen in SW19.

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