Boulter secures decisive victory at Japan Open

Katie Boulter delivered a commanding performance in her first‑round match at the Japan Open, overcoming Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume 6‑3 6‑1 after a rain‑induced interruption. The British player had already built a 1‑0, 3‑1 lead when play was suspended in Osaka on Monday, and she completed the win when the courts reopened on Tuesday.

“I was in a tough spot to end yesterday,” Boulter said. “I wanted to play last night and continue, but with the rain, unfortunately that wasn’t possible. It meant that I had to have the same mindset again today and just try to get over the line and focus on getting through the match. I think I did that. I didn’t want to be out here playing a third set so I’m pleased with today.” The 30‑year‑old converted five of nine break‑point chances, while Sakatsume, who entered the tournament as a wildcard, faced 13 break points but saved only one.

Boulter’s next opponent will be Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic in the second round.

In other news, world number nine Iga Swiatek announced the end of her season ahead of the WTA Finals. The six‑time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the Ningbo Open because of a thigh injury and confirmed that she will not compete in the season‑ending event, which is scheduled for 8‑15 November and features the top eight singles players and doubles teams.

British tennis also saw mixed results. At the Lyon Open, number one British man Arthur Fery, the eighth seed, was beaten by Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo 6‑3 7‑6 (7‑2). The 24‑year‑old Fery, who reached the Wimbledon semi‑finals this summer, has now lost five of his last seven matches. Former British No. 1 Cameron Norrie, ranked 100 after falling 60 places, exited in the same round, falling 6‑3 3‑6 6‑3 to France’s Benjamin Bonzi.

In Brussels at the European Open, fellow Scot Jacob Fearnley recorded a straight‑set win over France’s Hugo Gaston, 6‑3 6‑0. Meanwhile, British player Toby Samuel was defeated by Belgium’s sixth seed Zizou Bergs, 6‑3 7‑6 (7‑3).