British No 1 Katie Boulter is confident about Wimbledon preparations despite two first round exits

Katie Boulter says she is very happy with her Wimbledon preparations despite two first-round exits in as many weeks for the British No 1.

Boulter, who won her first WTA Tour event at the Nottingham Open earlier this month and insisted her ultimate goal is world No 1, has had a frustrating two matches since that victory including a two-set defeat to Petra Martic in Eastbourne on Tuesday.

But the 26-year-old says she goes into Wimbledon in good shape and is looking forward to trying to build on last year, when she recorded her best Grand Slam finish of reaching the third round.

‘It wasn’t bad tennis,’ said Boulter after losing 6-4, 7-5 in just over two hours at a windy Devonshire Park. ‘I’m playing someone ranked No 30 in the world. I’m having a go at her. Of course it was tough conditions.

‘We can have that, any tournament, at Wimbledon, you can have that in a random tournament, and I have to be ready for it and I have to try and play the best that I can on the day.

British No 1 Katie Boulter was knocked out at the first time of asking by Croatia’s Petra Martic

Heather Watson also faltered at Eastbourne, falling victim to Camilla Giorgi in the first round

‘Ultimately her experience showed today, and she played better in the biggest moments. 

‘I feel like I’m playing some really good tennis. I have practiced unbelievably well every single day this week. I have played seven matches on the grass and I’m very happy with where I’m at.

‘I don’t think I’ve lost any confidence this last couple of weeks just because I lost to higher-ranked players. I really don’t feel that at all.’

It capped off a dismal day for British women at the WTA 500 event, after Heather Watson – who was reinstated to the tournament after falling in qualifying through the lucky loser rule – fell to big-serving Camila Giorgi.

‘I was very happy that I had another opportunity, but she was too good today,’ said Watson.

There was a win, though, for Liam Broady, who also advanced with one of Andy Murray’s new coaches Jonny O’Mara in the doubles event on Monday. Broady beat fellow Brit Jan Choinski in two sets.

Harriet Dart will play last year’s runner-up Jelena Ostapenko, who won the Birmingham Open last week, here on Wednesday.

But Liam Broady had a brighter day, with the British No 5 knocking out compatriot Jan Choinski