Katie Boulter claimed a straight-sets win over Linda Noskova in the first round of the Japan Open.
Boulter faced a tough test against Noskova, who was seeded second in the competition and is ranked 17th in the world, but the Briton battled to a 7-6 (3) 6-3 victory in Osaka.
Boulter came from behind to level the opening set at 4-4 and broke Noskova’s serve for a third time to take the lead, but was unable to convert set point chances and it went to a tie-breaker where she finally prevailed.
Author summary: Boulter wins in Japan Open first round.