"Even when playing with total freedom, toppling a confident top 10 player is an immense challenge. As the sun set over Margaret Court Arena, and Boulter attempted to impose her weapons in her first round match against the 10th seed Belinda Bencic, the former British No 1 was outclassed by a sensational Bencic, who confidently closed out a comfortable 6-0, 7-5 win."
"Bencic is a master at holding her position on the baseline and using her immaculate timing and hand-eye coordination to take the ball early and deflect her opponents' pace. Unfortunately for Boulter, her linear, one-note flat ball striking completely fed into Bencic's game. The 28-year-old smothered Boulter with her relentless depth, shot tolerance and effortless ability to change directions off both wings."
"Bencic was flawless throughout the first set, striking just three unforced errors throughout and completely dominating all rallies longer than three shots. Still, Boulter fought hard and began to find rhythm on her serve early in set two and her excellent serving allowed her to strike first and shorten points. She played a good set, going to"
Belinda Bencic defeated Katie Boulter 6-0, 7-5 in the first round at Margaret Court Arena, showcasing superior timing, depth and directional control. Bencic has started the season 6-0 for the first time and has established herself as a genuine title contender in Melbourne. Bencic held position on the baseline, took the ball early and deflected opponents' pace, forcing Boulter's flat, linear strokes into predictable patterns. Bencic smothered rallies with relentless depth and shot tolerance, committing only three unforced errors in the first set and dominating longer exchanges. Boulter improved her serve and shortened points in set two but remained outclassed overall and has fallen to 113 after a difficult 2025.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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