Britain’s Katie Boulter moved into the quarter-finals of the Rothesay Classic Birmingham after a straight-sets victory against Caroline Garcia.
Just 24 hours after she pulled off the best triumph by ranking of her career with victory over Alison Riske in the opening round, Boulter, 25, beat France’s Garcia, a former top-five player, 7-6 (5) 6-1 in one hour and 30 minutes to record another milestone win.
The British number four has so far been prevented from achieving her potential by injuries and illness, and a leg problem suffered in March sidelined her for nearly three months.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic right now,” said Boulter. “I’ve worked so hard the past few weeks with my injury.
“It kind of makes it feel worthwhile – and all the tough moments that I went through, and pushing through, really got me through today.
“In the first set it was tough for both of us. I was just trying to take care of my service games.
“I played a really good tie-break and that is what it comes down to. I had to keep fighting and that is what I thought I did really well today.”
Standing between Boulter and a spot in the semi-finals is Simona Halep, the 2019 Wimbledon champion, who recorded a 6-3 6-2 win over Britain’s Harriet Dart in just over an hour.
“I feel great and feel like I played better than in my previous match,” said Halep, 30.
“I am doing my best every time I step on the court and looking to play as many matches as possible to get that feeling I had in 2019.”
Boulter and Halep will play their quarter-final clash on Friday – the first time they have faced each other.
Halep added: “I know she is serving strong so it will be tough to return, but every match is difficult on grass and you never know what to expect.
“I am ready and I will fight to win.”
