Boulter defeats Sakatsume after rain delays at Japan Open

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 10:50 · Archive

Katie Boulter beat Himeno Sakatsume 6-3 6-1 at the Japan Open after rain delays forced a resumption.

Katie Boulter claimed a dominant 6-3 6-1 victory over wildcard Himeno Sakatsume at the Japan Open in Osaka. The match was interrupted by heavy rain on Monday after only three games, forcing both players off court with Sakatsume leading 2-1. Play resumed but another rain delay followed at 6-3 3-1 to Boulter, and the match was completed on Tuesday.

Boulter won the contest in one hour and 32 minutes, taking five of nine break point chances. Although she faced 13 break points, Sakatsume managed to convert only one. After the victory, Boulter said of the rain interruption: 'Yesterday was a tough spot to end at. I wanted to play last night and continue but with the rain, unfortunately, that wasn't possible.' She said she focused on 'getting over the line' and was pleased not to face a third set.

Boulter will next play Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic for a place in the quarter-finals. The 30-year-old world number 58 is seeking to improve her record after early exits at the China Open and Wuhan Open since the end of September.

Boulter defeats Sakatsume after rain delays at Japan Open — Image: Independent Sport

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How it is being reported

Katie Boulter advances after rain delays at Japan Open as Iga Swiatek fails to qualify for WTA FinalsBoulter bounced back from a first-round defeat in Wuhan to defeat the Japanese wildcardIndependent Sport · 20 Oct, 12:15
Boulter produces emphatic win at Japan OpenBritain's Katie Boulter claims a dominant win in her rain-affected first-round match against Himeno Sakatsume in the Japan Open.BBC Sport · 20 Oct, 10:24
Boulter puts rain delays behind her to progress at Japan OpenA day after heavy rainfall caused play to be suspended, Britain's Katie Boulter returned to clinch a 6-3 6-1 victory at the Japan Open over wildcard Himeno Sakatsume.Sky Sports · 19 Oct, 11:08

In this story: Katie Boulter · Himeno Sakatsume · Viktorija Golubic · Japan Open · Osaka

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