Fed Cup

04/16/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2021 09:47

Boulter sees off early nerves - and Zacarias - to put Brits ahead

Katie Boulter made an impressive return to international team competition after a two-year absence from the British team, handing the hosts a 1-0 lead over Mexico in their Billie Jean King Cup Play-off tie in Roehampton.

Boulter, who suffered a stress fracture in her back on her last outing in country colours against Kazakhstan in April 2019, defeated Marcela Zacarias 7-5 6-0 on Friday to hand Anne Keothavong's side the perfect start at London's National Tennis Centre.

'Initially I was a little bit nervous,' Boulter admitted. 'I knew the occasion. It's been a while since I've been in that situation, but for me to be out there competing was really fun.

'It was a really close first set and I managed to squeeze it through. That really helped me relax and get into the second set and play some really good tennis.'

Boulter battled hard to edge a tight opening set that ebbed and flowed throughout, but settled after clinching a see-saw game at 5-all and cruised through the second.

Zacarias, who had described herself - and her countrywomen - as warriors in yesterday's press conference and outlined her intention to 'go for everything', proved true to her word in the opening set.

She clinched the first game with a cross-court forehand that skidded off the line and out of Boulter's reach, and the Brit soon founded herself 0-2 down after attempting a similar shot off the backhand side that drifted just wide.

The world No. 291 soon calmed. Katie Swan, tambourine in hand, did her bit from the bench, and Boulter promptly found her rhythm too.

She broke to love in the fourth game to get back level, and reeled off a third game on the trot before Zacarias stole back the momentum for 4-3.

In truth, the opening set could have gone either way, but Boulter's bullet serve dug her out of trouble on several occasions - and eeking out a tense game in the 11th switched the momentum firmly in her favour.

Zacarias - the higher ranked of the pair at No. 285 - hardly wilted in the second, but Boulter stepped up in style. By the end, she'd struck 21 winners to the Mexican's five, sealing victory in an hour and 18 minutes.

'I left everything on the court, although I know I could have done more,' said Zacarias. 'But Boulter didn't allow me come back to my game. I know I am doing things right and I will have to be more aggressive tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day. I have to learn from today's mistakes and put that into practice on Saturday.

'What do I have to do better? Be solid, play deeper and not let my opponent take the initiative.'

World No. 68 Heather Watson will seek to double the Brits advantage in Friday's second match when she takes on Giuliana Olmos - ranked 366 spots below her.