By Tony Fairbairn
- Jessica Bouzas Maneiro def Katie Boulter [31] 7-5 7-5
- Katie Boulter admitted she was too passive as she lost in the second round of the US Open.
NEW YORK, USA – Katie Boulter said that she lacked ‘authority’ as she suffered a shock second round exit to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at the US Open.
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It was another disappointing Grand Slam result for Katie Boulter as the British number one fell to a straight sets defeat against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
The result was especially disappointing considering that Boulter had made such a positive start to the match as she was ruthless and unstoppable on serve.
An aggressive and persistent approach on return was also rewarded as Boulter broke for a 4-2 lead and looked in control of the match.
However a lapse in concentration allowed Bouzas Maneiro to get back into the match and the Spaniard took advantage of the situation to reel off three games in a row and have the chance to close the match out.
Although the Spaniard failed to close out the set the first time around, Boulter gifted Bouzas Maneiro the opportunity to close the opening set out for a second time.
On the second occasion, Bouzas Maneiro made no mistake as she closed out the opening set and continued the momentum in the second set.
All of Boulter’s aggression had faded and the Spaniard was proactive, dominant and aggressive as she broke the Brit on two occasions to take a 5-2 lead.
A late comeback was produced by the 31st seed as she took advantage of some nerves from Bouzas Maneiro as the Brit levelled the set at 5-5.
Even when Boulter broke back though, there was no emotion in what was a flat performance on Court Five.
The dismal display was sealed when Bouzas Maneiro won two consecutive games to take the match and book a place in the third round.
After the poor performance Boulter admitted that she has to win these matches if she wants to continue her progress up the rankings and said that the Olympics did affect her preparations for the event.
“I have to win these matches,” Boulter was quoted by the Daily Express as saying.
“I would be lying to myself if I I said it didn’t, but I knew that.”
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Boulter admits lacking authority in US Open exit
Another disappointing Grand Slam result for Boulter who has only won three Grand Slam matches all season.
Despite Boulter’s improvement in the smaller events this season, the Brit will ultimately need to step up her game at Grand Slams if she wants to be considered a credible threat to the top players.
Speaking after the defeat Boulter admits that she needs to stamp her authority on matches as she described her performance as ‘passive.’
“You have to almost stamp your authority a little bit and tell yourself that you’re the aggressor,” Boulter admitted to the Daily Express.
“I was trying to put the ball in the court and make her play instead of me playing my game. At this level, you can’t do that. Not my best day. I felt like I allowed her to play her game and In the tough moments, I was a little bit passive, and I wasn’t strong enough.
“I think you get caught between not trying to be a charity and making mistakes. I feel like I played that match not wanting to lose rather than trying to win and I have to remind myself that I’m here to win. I have to remind myself that I’m an aggressive player.”
Boulter will now hope to put US Open disappointment behind her as she looks to finish the season strong and aim for a seeded position at next year’s Australian Open.
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