At the ASB Classic in Auckland, the UK’s fourth-ranked player, Katie Boulter, commenced her season by defeating Yuliia Starodubtseva from Ukraine.
This marked Boulter’s initial competitive appearance since October, and her debut with new coach Michael Joyce, as she secured a 6-3 6-3 first-round win.
Having received a wildcard entry into the main draw of the WTA 250 event, her subsequent opponent will be Ukraine’s top seed, Elina Svitolina.
Her exclusion from the Australian Open’s main draw resulted from her drop out of the global top 100 rankings.
Presently, she holds the position of third alternate and, should there not be enough player withdrawals, will be required to advance via the qualifying rounds at Melbourne Park.
Fellow countrywoman Sonay Kartal achieved a first-round victory in Auckland, overcoming Indonesia’s Janice Tjen with a score of 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 6-3.
Kartal, ranked 68 globally, who advanced to the round of 16 at Wimbledon in 2025, is scheduled to compete against Germany’s Ella Seidel in the second round.
