Boulter facing big challenge from Aussie Saville as heavens open at Wimbledon

Britain’s Katie Boulter was locked in a fierce battle with Australia’s Daria Saville when the rain came after an hour to interrupt play on Court No.18 – with the Princess of Wales watching on from the side lines.

If Boulter was expecting an easy path into round two at this year’s Championships she was in for a surprise as the battling Aussie looked the more assured player, leading 6-5 in the first set when the heavens opened.

The British number one started well, a fine cross-court pass setting up deuce in the opening game on Saville’s serve, but her opponent held on.

Boulter looked nervous in her opening service game, serving two double faults and three times taken to deuce before holding.

She then appeared to be getting into the swing of things, recovering from 40-15 to register the first break of serve.

But the Aussie hit straight back to take it to 2-2.

Both players then settled into their games – seven straight service holds taking the game to 6-5 to the Aussie in the first set when the heavens opened.

The forecast is not not great for the rest of the day, but play is of course assured on the two main show courts – those lucky enough to have tickets for those, at least, will have plenty more to see on day two.

Pictured top: The Princess of Wales alongside Deborah Jevans and Laura Robson watching Katie Boulter in action against Daria Saville on day two of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon (Picture: PA)