Katie Boulter advanced to the second round of the Japan Open after completing her first-round match against Himeno Sakatsume. Play was halted on Monday with Boulter leading 6-3, 3-1 due to inclement weather in Osaka. She returned on Tuesday to secure the victory with a 6-3, 6-1 scoreline.
"Yesterday was a tough spot to end at," Boulter stated, reflecting on the delay. "I wanted to play last night and continue but with the rain, unfortunately, that wasn't possible. 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. I think I did that. I didn't want to be out here playing a third set so I'm pleased with today."
Boulter converted five of her nine break point opportunities, while Sakatsume, a wildcard entry, managed to break Boulter's serve only once despite having 13 chances.
Boulter is scheduled to face Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland in the next round.
In other WTA news, world number nine Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the Ningbo Open due to a thigh injury. Swiatek's withdrawal is a setback for her qualification hopes for the WTA Finals, which are scheduled to take place from November 8-15 and feature the year's top eight singles players and doubles teams.