Boulter only played at Center Court for the second time, but the crowd – who saw two champions Raducanu and Andy Murray drop out on Wednesday – shouted for good news. She gave it to them and fought back with her aggressive play to a 3-6 7-6 (4) 6-4 victory.
For Pliskova, it continues a horrible season, where she has only won rugby matches twice. She also lost seven times this year against opponents outside the top 50, which helped bolster Boulter’s faith even after wasting an early half-time and losing the first set.
Although Pliskova served excellently throughout, hitting 13 aces and nearly 80 percent of her first hits, Boulter retained the faith. She played a brave tiebreak to force a decision and then – inspired by Pliskova – turned out lights to keep herself in it.
She won 20 of 24 points on her knockout in the third set, and landed late on Pliskovas to create the opportunity to serve for the match. Even with the Center Court crowd’s roar for company, she maintained her composure and a forehand along the line sealed the victory.
I think [beating Pliskova last week] really helped, “she said.” It’s easy to say I believe I can win this game, but to really go out and do it a week in advance makes the difference. I felt like I went through it last week. I just had to stay with her and stay on duty, especially in the second set. I did it again in Eastbourne, I managed to get a chance. I feel I got that chance again today. “
The shame is that Boulter will not earn any ranking points here, due to Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players. The boost this week could have made her climb into the top 100 again.
Regardless, she has a good chance of progressing as she plays Wimbledon debutant and Serena Williams’ unlikely winner Harmony Tan of France next. Tan on Thursday recorded another upset to beat Spain’s 32nd seeded Sara Sorribes Tormo on Thursday in straight sets and addressed the controversy off the track that has followed her since her victory over Williams.
Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch called Tan “unprofessional” on Wednesday when she withdrew from their doubles due to a thigh injury. Korpatsch has since apologized to Tan, but is still moved to post a poignant congratulatory message on Instagram for the Frenchwoman’s latest victory. Tan said she did not have time for the “drama” – not with a third round at Wimbledon to play for.
“I said [Korpatsch] I can not play because I have something on my leg. I can not walk really well, “said Tan.” She was angry, but that’s life … She apologized this morning. She’s texting me, and she’s apologizing for this publication, and you know, I do not like drama. I’m not like that. So I did not answer. “