By Charlotte Webster-
After earning the biggest win of her career against world number seven Pliskova in Eastbourne last week, 25-year-old Kate Boutier has eclipsed that with another victory over the Czech former world number one, this time on the one of the greatest stages in the sport and against a backdrop of personal grief.
Boulter thrilled the home crowd by coming from a set down to win 3-6 7-6 (4) 6-4.
The former World Number one, Pliskova, initially found rhythm on her serve and groundstrokes, producing five consecutive good games in a row.
She was broken straight back both times but held firm to force a tie-break and made the perfect start by winning the first four points.
Pliskova responded with three in a row but Boulter, who had noticeably begun to go for a little bit more on her groundstrokes, kept her nose in front and claimed her second set point.
The 25-year-old’s talent has never been in doubt but staying fit consistently has so far proved impossible, which has kept her outside the top 100 for most of her career.
She had grown into this match brilliantly and kept Pliskova at arm’s length throughout the deciding set before making the crucial breakthrough to lead 5-4.
Boulter was speechless in the on-court interview immediately after she sealed victory,as she dedicated the win to her late gran.
Boulter spoke of the special meaning of the victory in relation to her late gran. She said: “Her favourite tournament was Wimbledon. That’s why it’s a special one for me. She’d watch every single match that was on the TV.
“It’s been a tough few days for sure. I’ve tried to kind of get my emotions out and deal with the situation, try and keep my head on the tennis.
“I was lucky because my grandpa managed to come down from Leicester, and so we could keep him company and keep supporting him at the same time.”
Jill Gartshore passed away earlier this week during WimbledonCredit: INSTAGRAM / @katiecboulter
“My gran passed away two days ago. I’d just like to dedicate that to her”
A touching moment on Centre Court for @katiecboulter and her family #Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/48rzrM3OPR
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2022
Boulter had scored her first-ever victory over a top-ten player when she downed the Czech at Eastbourne last week.
Boulter, whose grandfather Brian was watching courtside, said: “I am literally shaking, the crowd was unbelievable.
“My Gran passed away two days ago and I’d like to dedicate that to her today
Image:PA