Katie Boulter got off to a winning start at the Miami Open, defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets.
Boulter lost in qualifying at Indian Wells but made a strong start in the main draw, beating her Spanish opponent 7-6 (9) 6-4.
The first set ran to an extended tie-breaker, which the Briton eventually clinched, before wrapping things up in the second to progress in one hour and 48 minutes. Boulter broke five times and gave up serve on four occasions, with Maneiro contributing 10 double faults in an otherwise tight contest.
“I know how good a player she is and the level and quality of our tennis tonight was good,” Boulter said.
“It was difficult. I felt like I was having to hit a winner or she was going to hit one.”
Boulter will face Clara Tauson, the 17th seed, in the next round. The pair have met only once previously with the Dane winning a hard-court encounter in 2022.
PA
