Arabic version: بولتر تكمل فوزها في بطولة اليابان المفتوحة بعد تأجيل بسبب المطر

According to BBC News, Katie Boulter completed a dominant 6-3 6-1 victory over Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume in the first round of the Japan Open after rain interrupted the match in Osaka.

The British player had won the opening set and led 3-1 in the second when bad weather stopped play on Monday. Boulter returned on Tuesday to finish the match against the home favourite and move into the second round.

“Yesterday was a tough spot to end at,” said Boulter, who will next face Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic. “I wanted to play last night and continue but with the rain, unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.”

Boulter said she needed to regain the same mindset when play resumed. “It meant that I had to have the same mindset again today and just try to get over the line and focus on getting through the match,” she said. “I think I did that. I didn’t want to be out here playing a third set so I’m pleased with today.”

The 30-year-old, ranked 58th in the women’s standings, converted five of nine break points. Sakatsume, who entered as a wild card, took one of 13 break points she created.

Elsewhere, world number nine Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Ningbo Open with a thigh injury, affecting her hopes of reaching the WTA Finals in Indian Wells. The Finals for the year’s top eight singles players and doubles teams are scheduled for 8-15 November.