Rothesay Classic Birmingham: Katie Boulter records another milestone win to reach quarter-finals | Tennis News

Katie Boulter, 25, follows up her win against Alison Riske with an equally-impressive performance to beat Caroline Garcia; Harriet Dart goes out to second seed Simona Halep; Jack Draper is in action at Queen’s Club

Britain’s Katie Boulter moved into the quarter-finals of the Rothesay Classic Birmingham with another impressive win

Britain’s Katie Boulter moved into the quarter-finals of the Rothesay Classic Birmingham after a straight-sets victory against Caroline Garcia.

Just 24 hours after she pulled off the best triumph by ranking of her career with victory over Alison Riske in the opening round, Boulter, 25, saw off France’s Garcia, a former top-five player, 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 in one hour and 30 minutes to record another milestone win.

The British No 4 has so far been prevented from achieving her potential by injuries and illness, and a leg problem suffered in March sidelined her for nearly three months.

But Boulter, ranked 141 in the world, is coming into form ahead of Wimbledon where she has been given a wild card.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic right now,” said Boulter. “I’ve worked so hard the past few weeks with my injury.

“It kind of makes it feel worthwhile – and all the tough moments that I went through, and pushing through, really got me through today.

“I’m really happy to be in the quarter-finals and am looking forward to another good match.

“In the first set it was tough for both of us. I was just trying to take care of my service games.

“I played a really good tie-break and that is what it comes down to. I had to keep fighting and that is what I thought I did really well today.”

Harriet Dart was unable to follow Boulter into the quarter-finals after suffering a comprehensive 6-3 6-2 defeat against second seed Simona Halep.

Halep’s compatriot Sorana Cirstea was a comfortable 6-1 6-1 winner against Aleksandra Krunic.

“I feel great and feel like I played better than in my previous match,” said Halep, 30.

“She [Dart] is never easy to play against. It is tough on grass because she is used to this surface but I was really pleased with how I played.

“I am doing my best every time I step on the court and looking to play as many matches as possible to get that feeling I had in 2019.”

Boulter and Halep will play their quarter-final clash on Friday – the first time they have faced each other.

Halep added: “I know she is serving strong so it will be tough to return, but every match is difficult on grass and you never know what to expect.

“I am ready and I will fight to win.”

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