Katie Boulter secured one of the finest victories of her career after knocking out Paula Badosa to reach the second round at Wimbledon.
Boulter tipped herself to be a “dark horse” in this year’s Championships after missing out on being seeded at SW19 – she has always been a competitor who has been content to fly under the radar – and in front of an evening Centre Court crowd she embraced her underdog tag against the ninth seed.
The British number two played some enterprising tennis early on with her varied and aggressive shotmaking only to fade dramatically halfway through, before drawing on the energy of a partisan crowd to secure just her fourth victory over a top-10 player.
She later admitted in her on-court interview that she had been “bricking it” in a tense deciding set which saw both players go toe-to-toe with each other, before she broke Badosa to secure a 6-2 3-6 6-4 victory. “It’s one of the best wins I’ve had in my career. It’s certainly up there,” said an elated Boulter.
After Carlos Alcaraz’s five-set tussle with Fabio Fognini earlier in the day, both players had spent longer than they would have liked waiting in the wings on a baking hot afternoon. By the time they emerged at around 6.30pm, scores of fans had vacated Wimbledon’s main showcourt to stretch their legs, but Boulter seemed nonchalant about the empty seats and got stuck in from the get-go.
Boulter’s beaming on Centre Court 🇬🇧
The British No.2 takes down the No.9 seed, Paula Badosa, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/gQn78nUI5q
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2025
What was perhaps most pleasing about this victory was the character she showed to come through this gutsy encounter. Boulter is not someone who usually succumbs to stage fright on big stages – she has repeatedly spoken about how much she relishes playing on Wimbledon’s main showcourt – and showed her trademark grit as she bounced back from a second-set wobble.
The Briton’s sharp drop off in the second set nevertheless quietened an expectant Centre Court crowd, who watched her game unravel. Her floundering serve coughed up double faults all over the place – Boulter recorded an unwanted tally of seven over the course of the match – three of which came in a single service game. If she is to progress beyond the third round at the All England Club for the first time in her career, she will have to iron out such creases in her game.
Badosa, somewhat surprisingly, seized upon the momentum switch. The Spaniard won four games in a row and bossed proceedings and by the time she hit a searing forehand winner to take the second set, Badosa was locked in.
Both players traded breaks at the start of a tense deciding set – Badosa drawing blood first – after breaking Boulter’s resilience at the fifth time of asking. But Boulter’s spirit would not be broken. She hit back and, drawing on the energy of an increasingly audible crowd that was filtering into Wimbledon’s main showcourt, punched the air after coming out on top in an extended rally which culminated in her executing a stunning backhand passing shot.
Both players then rattled through their service games and it became a case of who would blink first, until Badosa completely lost her cool after Boulter edged into a 5-4 lead, and earned a trio of break points during a must-win service game for Badosa. The Spaniard managed to save one, before lashing a forehand into the net.
In a bit of a quirk, Boulter became the last of seven British winners to advance to the second round on the opening day. During the 2022 edition, she was also the final Briton to reach the second round, en route to beating former Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova on her Centre Court debut.
The 28-year-old later revealed that victory had served as a focal point for this latest win. “This court is the epitome of what every single British child dreams about playing on and actually and winning on, so for me it’s a dream come true every time I get to step out here,” she said. “I saw the scheduling and I was so excited I felt like a little girl again, I’m super happy to be through and I’m glad I got the win today. I just tried to compete today and fight. Hope for the best, hope she missed and just kept pushing myself to be positive and go after it and make it happen and today it actually happened, I’m thrilled.”
She might have lived up to her underdog tag in this instance, but the circumstances will be reversed when she faces lucky loser Solana Sierra, the world number 101, of Argentina next.
08:49 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Katie Buolter’s victory over Paula Badosa to an end. The British No 2 won in three sets, beating the Spaniard 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
It sees an excellent day of results for the British contingent continue, with Boulter the seventh singles player to progress into the second round.
Thanks for joining us!
08:45 PM BST
‘I felt like a little girl again’ – Boulter on ‘dream’ match on Centre Court
On winning on Centre Court, Boulter said: “This court is the epitome of what every single British child dreams about playing on and actually and winning on, so for me it’s a dream come true every time I get to step out here.
“I saw the scheduling and I was so excited I felt like a little girl again, I’m super happy to be through and I’m glad I got the win today.”
08:41 PM BST
‘I was bricking it’ – Boulter reflects on narrow win
Speaking to BBC on court about beating top 10 opponents, Katie Boulter said: “I think I got one of my first against Pliskova on this court and the moment I stepped out here it just reminded me of that from the first ball.
“I just felt like I had some really good ju-ju going on there and played some really good stuff but happy to be through to the next round.”
On holding her nerve, she said: “Oh God, I didn’t have any nerve there, I was bricking it completely.
“I’ve played a lot of matches recently where I started out great and kind of let it slip, I actually played one at Queen’s, which hurt me a lot.
“I just tried to compete today and fight. Hope for the best, hope she missed and just kept pushing myself to be positive and go after it and make it happen and today it actually happened, I’m thrilled.”
08:33 PM BST
Boulter beats Badosa in three sets
Badosa is serving to stay in the match, can Boulter apply some pressure on the Spaniard here?
Badosa lashes a backhand into the net on the first point and the crowd respond with a roar. Boulter then controls a forehand volley sensationally to go 30-0 up and the crowd make even more noise.
Badosa catches a forehand wrong, sending it beyond the baseline, creating three match points. Can the Briton hold her nerve?
She looks to attack the serve on the first one, but sends her return just long of the far corner.
But she wins it on the next point as Badosa sends one into the net. It’s a huge victory for Boulter on Centre Court against the world No 9!
08:29 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 6-3, 4-5 Boulter*
Badosa’s first return of serve is pushed just wide and she can’t get much on her second, as Boulter crushes a serve down the middle. 30-0.
Another big serve from Boulter is unreturned but she will have to wait for this game after making a double-fault.
She catches a backhand all wrong on the next point, sending it well long of the baseline, so it’s back to 40-30.
Badosa looks set to make it deuce but volleys into the net from close range with the point at her mercy. Huge hold!
08:25 PM BST
Badosa* 2-6, 6-3, 4-4 Boulter
Badosa pushes a backhand long and the home crowd are sensing this is the time to get behind their player. A backhand down the line goes just wide from Boulter, though, making it 15-15.
Boulter’s sliced return drifts long on the next point, but she then hits a lovely backhand winner down the line to make it 30-30.
Badosa pulls out a big serve down the middle, though, which Boulter can only return into the net. The game is sealed as Boulter does the same on the next point.
08:21 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 6-3, 3-4 Boulter*
A strong first serve from Boulter is unreturned at the start of this next game. A lengthier exchange follows in the next point and it’s Badosa who comes out on top, sending a winner into the corner.
Boulter produces an ace down the middle, though, before Badosa goes long on the next point, so it’s 40-15 to the Briton.
Another long return from the Spaniard seals the game for Boulter, who takes the lead once again.
08:18 PM BST
Badosa* 2-6, 6-3, 3-3 Boulter
Badosa takes the opening point of her next service game before making a double fault to make it 15-15.
A pair of wayward returns of serve from Boulter make it 40-15 before the Spaniard sends a ground-stroke long.
She recovers well though, crushing a winner into the corner for a quick hold.
08:16 PM BST
Game on a knife edge
This game is on a knife edge. Boulter is trying to draw on the energy from a growing Centre Court crowd – Wimbledon’s main showcourt has filled up – but Badosa isn’t giving up that easily.
08:14 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 6-3, 2-3 Boulter*
Badosa sends a her return long on Boulter’s second serve and looks furious with herself. Boulter pushes a backhand wide to make it 15-15.
Boulter shows great defence to hang in there on the next point and play a sensational backhand that Badosa can’t scoop over the net.
A strong serve followed up with a forehand winner makes it 40-15 to the home favourite and she seals the game with an ace.
08:11 PM BST
Badosa* 2-6, 6-3, 2-2 Boulter
Badosa starts her next service game with an ace. She doubles her lead as Boulter looks to attack the second serve but finds the net.
The Briton reads the drop-shot on the next point and just nudges the ball beyond Badosa at the net.
Boulter’s next return of serve goes long, though, and Badosa is able to seal the fourth game of this third set.
08:07 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 6-3, 1-2 Boulter*
Badosa goes long on the first point of this next game and Boulter makes it 30-0 after coming into the net for the volley.
She pushes a backhand long on the next point, though, and drags one wide after that, so it’s back to 30 each.
But the Briton does remarkably on the next point. She was on the back foot but read the winner from Badosa and made the passing shot.
Badosa crushes a backhand winner into the corner to take it to deuce, though, and just quieten the crowd.
But there are cheers again as the Spaniard can only find the net, making it advantage Boulter. It’s the same again on the next point and it’s a huge hold from Boulter.
08:01 PM BST
Badosa* 2-6, 6-3, 1-1 Boulter
Boulter starts the next game with a wayward return of serve but the scores are levelled as Badosa sends a forehand wide.
Badosa sends a ground-stroke long on the next point, making it 15-30, but Boulter fails to capitalise on the next point, sending her return long on the Spaniard’s second serve.
She does then earn the break point, though, crushing a backhand into the corner. Badosa responds well, dominating the next point to take it to deuce.
But there is a sense that Boulter has a little bit of momentum, with Badosa going long and setting up another break point.
The Briton gets it all wrong though. She was completely dominating the point but pushed a forehand slice long after looking like she was going for the drop-shot.
Boulter sends one beyond the baseline but manages to bring it back to deuce thanks to a fierce return of serve.
The 28-year-old dominates the next point to hit the smashed winner and she secures the break as Badosa crushes a forehand into the net.
07:53 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 6-3, 1-0 Boulter*
Can Boulter respond? She was playing so well before those breaks of serve. It’s the Briton to serve first in this decider. Badosa takes the lead though, whipping a forehand into the corner that Boulter can only send into the stands.
The Spaniard shows great defence on the next point and the mistake comes from Boulter, finding the net with her forehand, making it 0-30.
A very timely ace from the Briton follows but Badosa dominates the next point, finishing it off with a forehand into the corner. 15-40 and two break points.
Boulter responds well with a powerful serve and strong backhand into the body of her opponent. Badosa’s next return of serve goes long and the break points are saved.
The Briton pushes a forehand wide on the next point, gifting her opponent another break point, but saves it thanks to a big first serve down the middle.
Badosa pulls off a wonderful forehand winner down the line with her return of serve but Boulter then produces a sensational forehand right into the corner to bring it back to deuce.
A double fault follows, though, before Boulter pushes a forehand wide and Badosa secures the early break.
07:42 PM BST
Badosa levels match with second set
Boulter’s first return drifts long and her second is straight into the net, making it 30-0 to Badosa as she serves for this second set.
Another return is straight into the net, creating three set points, and Badosa seals it with a terrific forehand into the corner.
07:40 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 5-3 Boulter*
Badosa looks to attack Boulter on her serve now, but her return goes just long before she finds the net with her return on the next point.
Boulter fails to return a forehand into the corner from the Spaniard but she recovers with a superb forehand winner of her own, making it 40-15.
The Briton comes into the net and whips another forehand winner into the corner and she holds with ease. Can she find another break now?
07:37 PM BST
Badosa* 2-6, 5-2 Boulter
Boulter’s return of serve is into the net but she attacks well on the next point, forcing the mistake from Badosa to make it 15-15.
An even stronger return on Badosa’s second serve on the next point sees the Briton go 15-30 up. The same again on the next point and she earns herself two break points.
Wow, another terrific return right at the feet of Badosa sees Boulter clinch the break.
07:34 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 5-1 Boulter*
Will those serving issues from the last game linger for Boulter? It doesn’t appear so on the first point, making the first serve before winning the point with a volley at the net.
Having said that, another double-fault makes it 15-15. Badosa’s next return has great length on it and Boulter can only find the net.
There is a lengthy exchange of ground-strokes during the next point, and it’s the Spaniard dominating these types of points now, with Boulter whipping a forehand into the net.
So two break points for Badosa and she only needs one of them, with Boulter sending a backhand wide.
07:30 PM BST
Badosa* 2-6, 4-1 Boulter
Can Boulter respond? She takes the first point of the next game with Badosa sending a ground-stroke wide.
The Spaniard produces pair of strong serves which are unreturned, though, making it 30-15.
Badosa scoops a backhand wide to level the scores but Boulter’s return on the second serve goes way beyond the baseline, missing the chance of a break point.
Her backhand can only find the net on the next point so it’s another hold in this set for Badosa.
07:26 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 3-1 Boulter*
It’s a similar story to Boulter’s previous service game at the start of this one, sending the serve out wide before hitting a forehand into the opposite corner.
A lengthy of exchange comes to an end as Badosa sends a forehand long of the baseline.
The Spaniard comes to the net nicely on the next point to hit the forehand winner, making it 30-15. A double-fault from Boulter makes the scores level, so a slight chance for Badosa.
But her return of serve finds the net and Boulter lets out a “come on”. It’s another double-fault from the Briton, though, so we go to deuce.
Wow… another double-fault and Badosa has a break point. Boulter looks on top of the next point but sends a forehand wide and Badosa has the break. Completely against the run of play.
07:20 PM BST
Badosa* 2-6, 2-1 Boulter
Boulter goes for the lob but it drifts just long and her next return of serve skews wide, so a 30-0 lead for Badosa.
The Spaniard seems to have sorted out her serving issues as Boulter’s next couple of returns float beyond the baseline for another quick hold to love.
07:18 PM BST
Badosa 2-6, 1-1 Boulter*
Boulter hammers a backhand into the corner following another strong first serve, making it 15-0. Badosa lashes her next return of serve into the net.
It’s really nice again from Boulter, sending Badosa out wide with the serve before sending a sublime forehand winner into the opposite corner.
Another delightful forehand winner seals the hold to love. This is fabulous stuff from the British No 2.
07:16 PM BST
Badosa* 2-6, 1-0 Boulter
A strong serve from Badosa gives her the lead in the opening game of this second set but the scores are levelled following a powerful backhand from Boulter.
A double-fault gives Boulter the lead in the game but a couple of sloppy shots from the Briton swing it back in Badosa’s favour.
Boulter forces it to deuce but it’s advantage Badosa following a sweetly-struck forehand from the Spaniard. The world No 9 secures the hold with an ace.
07:13 PM BST
Emphatic start from Boulter
A hold to love for Katie Boulter in her final service game to take the opening set in emphatic fashion. Badosa hasn’t been able to grab a foothold in this at all – she’s coughed up four double faults and hit just three winners, compared to Boulter’s tally of eight.
07:11 PM BST
Boulter takes first set with ease
Katie Boulter is now serving for the opening set, can she keep her nerve? It’s a strong start to the game with a serve out wide unreturned by Basoda.
It’s followed by an ace to make it 30-0 and she creates three set points with a powerful forehand into the corner.
Badosa goes long from the baseline and Boulter wraps up the opening set in 31 minutes. Really impressive from the British No 2.
07:08 PM BST
Badosa* 2-5 Boulter
Boulter sends her first return long but Badosa drags a forehand wide on the next point, making it 15-15. The Briton then crushes a forehand into the corner, which sets up the chance to volley home for a 15-30 lead.
A double-fault from Badosa and Boulter has two set points. The first one is saved as Boulter’s backhand return finds the net. As is the second, this time with an ace.
Boulter goes for the lob with Badosa at the net, but it drifts long and the Spaniard has the advantage. She works Boulter out wide with her next serve, allowing her to hit the winner the other way to seal the game.
07:03 PM BST
Badosa 1-5 Boulter*
Boulter starts the next game with an ace out wide and follows it up with a powerful serve that Badosa fails to return.
A backhand sliced drop-shot from the Briton can only find the net and Badosa attacks well on the next point with a big backhand return to make it 30-30.
Boulter is now also struggling with her toss. But she retakes the lead in this game as Badosa scuffs a ground-stroke into the air, which drifts long.
The Spaniard finds the net on the next point and she will be serving to stay in this opening set.
06:59 PM BST
Badosa struggling with ball toss
The sun is slowly setting and there’s a deceptive breeze around Centre Court which seems to be affecting Badosa’s ball toss. Boulter did well to capitalise on the Spaniard’s double fault there and earn herself an early break. The Brit has looked very comfortable against the ninth seed so far.
06:58 PM BST
Badosa* 1-4 Boulter
Boulter attacks Badosa’s second serve with a sensational backhand taken early to go 0-15 up.
A backhand from the Spaniard clips the top of the net and drops wide, so another chance of a break here for Boulter at 0-30.
Her return of serve drifts long on the next point and Badosa produces an ace after that to level it at 30 each.
But Boulter earns herself a break point and the break is gifted as Badosa makes another double-fault.
06:55 PM BST
Badosa 1-3 Boulter*
After appearing to be on top, Boulter lashes a backhand into the net to fall behind in the fourth game of this first set.
But Badosa sends one long to level things before pulling a forehand wide. 30-15 Boulter.
A long return of serve makes it 40-15 and Boutler seals the hold of serve with an ace. Solid stuff from the 28-year-old so far.
06:51 PM BST
Badosa* 1-2 Boulter
A sublime forehand from Boulter into the corner gives her the lead in this next game, but she finds the net on the next point before sending a lob long, and Badosa goes 30-15 up.
The Spaniard produces an ace but follows it up with a double-fault, making it 40-30.
Badosa is just struggling slightly with her toss at the start of this match. When she does get the serve over, Boulter produces a phenomenal backhand winner down the line from out wide to take it to deuce.
Another double-fault from Badosa gifts Boulter the first break point of the game and it’s taken, with the Spaniard failing to handle a powerful crosscourt forehand from Boulter.
06:46 PM BST
Badosa 1-1 Boulter*
It’s not the best start to Boulter’s first service game of the match, sending a ground-stroke long before making a double-fault.
But she puts great length on a forehand during the next point, forcing the mistake from her opponent to make it 15-30.
Badosa then wraps a backhand into the net from close range before sending her return of serve long, so game point for Boulter.
Another wayward return seals the game for the Briton. She showed good composure from 0-30 down.
06:44 PM BST
Centre Court empties after Alcaraz
Centre Court has significantly emptied after that mammoth match between Carlos Alcaraz and Fabio Fognini. It’s good news for the punters with a grounds pass who can join the resale queue – they could land a Centre Court ticket to see this match – and watch a good chunk of Arthur Rinderknech v Alexander Zverev later – for just £15.
06:42 PM BST
Badosa* 1-0 Boulter (*denotes server)
Badosa scuffs a forehand wide on the opening point before Boulter sends her return of serve long on the next point.
But it’s a positive start from Boulter, who dominates the next point before eventually finishing it off with a forehand winner into the corner from close to the net.
The Briton fails to get much on the next serve before sending her next return long, so it’s 40-30 Badosa.
Another long return from the Briton and it’s a solid hold from Badosa.
06:38 PM BST
Here we go
The warm-ups are done and the match will be getting underway in a matter of moments, with Badosa to serve first.
06:36 PM BST
Previous meeting
Paula Badosa won the only previous meeting between the pair, which came at Roland Garros in 2024, with the Spaniard winning in three sets.
06:34 PM BST
Boulter’s Grand Slams this season
Katie Boulter reached the second round at the Australian Open in January, losing to Veronika Kudermetova after beating Rebecca Marino in her opening match.
It was a similar story at Roland Garros, having beaten Carole Monnet in her first match, she was knocked out by Madison Keys in her second game.
06:31 PM BST
Players make their way onto court
Boulter and Badosa have just made their out onto Centre Court after watching Alcaraz take more than four hours to get through his opening-round match.
They will be getting underway shortly.
06:27 PM BST
Boulter’s opponent this evening
Paula Badosa has four WTA titles to her name, with the biggest win of her career coming at Indian Wells in 2021.
The world No 9 is yet to claim a title this season but impressed as she reached the semi-final of the Australian Open in January.
She has reached the fourth round at Wimbledon on four occasions, in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
06:23 PM BST
Alcaraz through in five
Carlos Alcaraz has just beaten Fabio Fognini in a five-set thriller on Centre Court, meaning Katie Boulter will be getting her match underway shortly.
The defending men’s champion took over four and a half hours to progress past the world No 138, in what was the 38-year-old’s final match at Wimbledon.
Up next for the world No 2 is British qualifier Oliver Tarvet.
06:20 PM BST
Battle for British No 1 title
Katie Boulter was replaced as the British No 1 for the first time in two years after losing in the second round of Queen’s earlier this month.
The 28-year-old had taken the crown from Emma Raducanu in 2023, but was replaced by the Grand Slam winner after she reached the quarter-finals at Queen’s.
The pair are three places apart in the world rankings, with Raducanu at 40 in the world and Boulter now at 43.
06:16 PM BST
Successful day for Brits so far
It’s been a strong start for the British contingent on the first day at Wimbledon, with Sonay Kartal, qualifier Oliver Tarvet, Arthur Fery, Billy Harris and Cameron Norrie all winning their opening matches.
British No 2 Jacob Fearnley is the highest profile of the home favourites to have lost out today, being beaten by Joao Fonseca in straight sets.
06:11 PM BST
Boulter one of many British hopefuls
Katie Boulter is one of 23 British players competing in the singles at Wimbledon this year, which is the most since 1984.
Seven players secured their place by ranking inside the top 100, Oliver Tarvet came through the qualifying tournament and a further 15 were given wildcards.
There are now 14 British players inside the world’s top 200, which is also a record-high since 1984.
02:39 PM BST
Boulter happy to be underdog
The British challenge at this year’s Wimbledon may have got off to a great start – thanks to victories for Sonay Kartel, Oliver Tarvet and Cameron Norrie – but Katie Boulter will likely have to play one of her best matches of the year if she is to join them in the second round.
The British No 2 has fallen to 43rd in the world rankings and although she, thanks to her powerful groundstrokes, remains a threat on grass, will be up against it against Paula Badosa this afternoon.
The Spanish ninth seed has a dominant serve and has been as high as world No 2.
But Boulter is not worried, saying the fact she goes into the match as underdog could prove to be a huge blessing.
“I’m very, very excited,” the Briton said. “I feel like it’s a totally different situation for me coming in this year.
“I’m kind of like a dark horse and I like that feeling. I like the fact I can go out and swing free and I’ve got nothing to lose.”
In an interview with The Telegraph earlier this month she underlined her preference for not being in the spotlight.
“I’m not expecting to be an overnight success. I’m expecting to work for it,” the 28-year-old said. “I like working hard. I like getting credit for the achievements I’ve made, but I also enjoy being… not exactly an underdog, but the quiet one. I like being that person.”
Keeping under the radar will be hard in SW19 – her and Emma Raducanu are the two hopefuls British fans are looking to go deep in the tournament in the women’s draw. But one thing is for sure, Boulter will cherish every second she spend on Centre Court this afternoon.
“The epitome of tennis for me is Wimbledon and the grass season and playing at home in front of my friends and family.,” she said.
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