BBC Sport · Oct 13, 2025
Boulter upsets Noskova at Japan Open
Image caption, Katie Boulter reached a career-high ranking of 23 in 2024British number three Katie Boulter moved into the second round of the Japan Open after an impressive win over world number 17 Linda Noskova.
The world number 59 beat her Czech opponent 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in one hour and 36 minutes in Osaka to set up a second-round tie against Romania's Sorana Cirstea.
It was Boulter's first victory against a top-20 opponent since beating Paula Badosa at Wimbledon in July.
"I'm really pleased with my performance today. It's been a difficult few weeks," said Boulter.
"I just tried to bet on myself - to commit to the ball and go for it.