Katie Boulter becomes fourth Briton to succumb on unlucky court 13 at French Open

Katie Boulter becomes fourth Briton to succumb on unlucky court 13 at French Open Last updated 28 May 2026 8:56pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Katie Boulter is hoping to reach the third round at Roland Garros for the first time Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sonia Twigg Women's Sport Reporter, at Roland Garros. Will Conroy (Live updates) Last updated 28 May 2026 8:56pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Katie Boulter became the fourth British casualty of court 13 at Roland Garros, when her three-set defeat to Anastasia Potapova put an end to British hopes in the singles.  Emma Raducanu and Francesca Jones both suffered bagel first-sets and went on to lose on this court, while Cameron Norrie was also on the same patch of clay when he retired in the first round. Only Jones and Boulter reached the second round out of the six Britons who competed in the first, and neither were able to reach the third, with the latter losing 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.  Boulter bucked the trend of bagel openers, winning the first in a set where it felt like the players were exchanging breaks at the same frequency they would traditionally have exchanged holds of serve. Potapova, aged 25, cut an exasperated figure in the first set, at one point turning to her team and shouting “she’s hitting all the lines” but she took time off the court after Boulter took a set advantage and it appeared to have the desired effect. While she still partook in regular outbursts aimed at her box, she began to hold serve while keeping the same pressure on Boulter as she had in the opener, carving out a 5-1 lead.  But the Briton refused to back down, winning two games in a row to force world No. 30 Potapova to serve for the set for a second time, and that time she took the chance. There were times during the match with both players hitting the ball so flat and with pace that it felt more like watching a match on a hard court than the red brick dust of the Parisian clay, but that only suited Boulter more as she is known to like pace on the ball.  Potapova broke at the first opportunity in the third set, quickly establishing a 2-0 lead before Boulter held to stem the tide of momentum, although it finished 6-2. For Boulter it was a significant improvement on the 35 unforced errors she made in the opening round against a player ranked outside the top 150. She competed in the rallies, but it was her serving frailty that proved too costly to overcome.  Boulter made 10 double faults and landing only 54 percent of her first serves and in the end that proved to be the difference. Latest updates Sonia Twigg Women's Sport Reporter, at Roland Garros. Will Conroy (Live updates) 8:55PM Thanks for joining us Link copied to clipboard That brings our coverage of Katie Boulter’s defeat against Anastasia Potapova to an end. Thank you for joining us! 8:54PM Up next... Link copied to clipboard Anastasia Potapova will now face defending champion Coco Gauff for a place in the fourth round.  8:52PM Boulter 7-5 4-6 2-6 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Potapova, serving for the match – can she hold her nerve?  Some great defence keeps her in the opening point of this game, before a whipped forehand forces the error from Boulter.  A looping, defensive shot from Boulter drifts just long, before a forehand into the net sets up three match points.  The Austrian then sends a forehand of her own into the net before pushing a backhand beyond the baseline, and Boulter is still digging in here.  But a big serve forces a wayward return and the British challenge in the singles at Roland Garros is over.  8:48PM Boulter* 7-5 4-6 2-5 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Boulter nearly came back from 5-1 down in the second set. Can she mount a similar fightback here? She catches the net on the opening point, but draws level with an overhead at the net.  A thunderous return from Potapova goes just wide of the mark, making it 30-15.  An inside-out forehand from Boulter forces the error, before a well-controlled volley seals an impressive hold.  8:45PM Boulter 7-5 4-6 1-5 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Boulter opts for the drop-shot on two or three occasions during this opening point, but they are high and loopy and eventually Potapova can finish it off.  A superb forehand return right into the corner makes it 15-15, but a backhand then goes a foot or so wide of the line and Potapova edges ahead once again.  The Austrian then wraps a backhand into the net, making it 30-30, but Boulter misses the chance to earn a break point with a wayward forehand. The drop-shot is better this time from Boulter, but Potapova chases it well and can seal the hold.  8:39PM Boulter* 7-5 4-6 1-4 Potapova Link copied to clipboard A double-fault is the last thing Boulter needed at this crucial juncture, but she then draws level in this game thanks to some sweet striking on the next point.  But would you believe it? Another double-fault for the Briton, her 10th of the match.  Again, she makes amends with some solid groundstrokes forcing the error from her opponent.  Boulter pushes a forehand long, though, setting up a break point and after one of the longest rallies of the match, it is taken by Potapova as the Briton wraps a forehand into the net. The architect of her own downfall in that game.  8:35PM Boulter 7-5 4-6 1-3 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Boulter produced some of her best tennis of the match in that last game. Can it continue? She takes an early lead with the superb depth of her return forcing the mistake.  That’s a shame for Boulter, she was hitting the ball really nicely once again to get on top but then dragged a forehand marginally wide of the line.  A clinical serve and forehand combination from Potapova edges her ahead in this game. The same again from the Austrian and it’s 40-15. A thunderous return from Boulter nearly topples Potapova backwards, but the 25-year-old then seals the hold with an ace down the line.  8:31PM Boulter* 7-5 4-6 1-2 Potapova Link copied to clipboard That is a big unforced error from Boulter, catching the net with a forehand with the point at her mercy. Some big hitting on the next point brings the error from Potapova, though, as does the clever construction of the next point. Again, Boulter works the angles really nicely and seals the point with a whipped forehand into the corner.  A big serve from the Briton seals the hold. Or does it? Potapova thinks it was out and the umpire agrees after a check of the line.  No bother for Boulter, wrapping up the game with a wonderful drop-shot, executed perfectly.  8:27PM Boulter 7-5 4-6 0-2 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Potapova catches the net twice at the start of this next game, giving Boulter a 0-30 lead.  After the Briton requires a brief pause to deal with a sudden moment of coughing, Potapova wears her opponent down on the next point to make it 15-30.  Boulter goes just wide with an attempted winner down the line, missing the opportunity for a pair of break points. The 29-year-old then catches the net with her return of serve, but is given a lifeline in this game by an erratic forehand from Potapova, making it deuce.  Boulter slices a backhand into the net, though, before a big serve seals the hold for the Austrian.  8:23PM Boulter* 7-5 4-6 0-1 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Boulter takes the opening point of the deciding set but a venomous backhand down the line from Potapova makes it 15-15. A forehand from Boulter catches the top of the net and flicks wide, making it 15-30. Boulter is then forced all the way to the back of the court on the next point, and while she makes the return she trips on the advertising and falls backwards. She does manage to get back up but not in time to reach her next shot, and she faces two break points. A drop-shot from the Briton falls short and she is broken at the start of this decider.    8:18PM Potapova break pays dividends Link copied to clipboard Boulter did well to fight her way back into contention in the second set, but it was not to be in the end.  Potapova took a break off court after the first set and that appears to have paid dividends in terms of resetting her mindset. 8:16PM Boulter 7-5 4-6 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Potapova serving for the second set here, but having lost the last three games, the last two with little resistance.  Boulter fails to capitalise on an inviting second serve, sending her return well beyond the baseline.  A lengthy exchange ends with a wonderful forehand winner from Potapova, finding a clever angle and taking it early. A double-fault hands Boulter a lifeline but a sensational passing shot after some incredible defence makes it 40-15. The set is sealed with an ace and the match is level once more.  8:13PM Boulter* 7-5 4-5 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Potapova sends a return long and she calls for more from her corner, clearly growing frustrated. A wild return from the Austrian makes it 30-0, before a wayward groundstroke creates three game points. Another wild return and Boulter closes to 5-4 with the most routine of holds.  8:11PM Boulter 7-5 3-5 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard So, Potapova serving for the second set and parity in this match.  Two wonderfully controlled volleys earn Boulter a 0-15 lead before a sensational forehand return down the line makes it 0-30. Potapova catches the net during the next exchange and suddenly Boulter has three break points.  A big serve saves one of them, but the Austrian finds the net on the next point and Boulter is fighting back here. 8:08PM Boulter* 7-5 2-5 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Another unforced error from Boulter kicks off this next game, with the Briton serving to stay in the set. She drags a backhand wide on the next point, and she is really struggling to find anything at the moment. A sweeping backhand down the line from Potapova brings about three set points. The first is saved by a first ace of the match from Boulter, sent with pace down the middle. The Austrian then pushes a groundstroke long, and Boulter is just showing a bit of resistance here. Another error from Potapova and Boulter is back at deuce. Potapova flicks a backhand wide of the mark, but Boulter is wayward on the next point, making it deuce once again. A confident cross-court winner from the Briton edges her ahead before a tired forehand into the net from her opponent clinches what could be a crucial hold in terms of the momentum of this match. 8:02PM Boulter 7-5 1-5 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Potapova produces an ace out wide with a second serve to go 15-0 up. The Austrian with all the momentum at the moment. Boulter catches the net with a backhand return, before sending her next return beyond the baseline, and this set is really starting to run away from her.  A double-fault from Potapova gives her a glimmer of hope, but a big serve down the middle seals a very comfortable hold.  8:00PM Boulter* 7-5 1-4 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Boulter falls behind at the start of this next game after another double-fault, before a long groundstroke makes it 0-30.  A backhand drifts inches beyond the baseline and the Briton is suddenly facing a 0-40 deficit. Another wayward groundstroke from Boulter seals a rapid break for Potapova, who is definitely growing in confidence here. 7:58PM Boulter 7-5 1-3 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Potapova sends Boulter really wide with the second serve, and she follows it up with a wonderful forehand winner into the same corner.  Boulter fails to capitalise on another second serve from her opponent, dragging her return wide.  Boulter produces an excellent return but Potapova improvises superbly, getting down low and hitting a forehand winner into the opposite side of the court. A double-fault from the Austrian makes it 40-15, but a straightforward hold is secured by a tired backhand from Boulter. 7:54PM Boulter* 7-5 1-2 Potapova Link copied to clipboard A pummelling forehand down the line from Boulter gives her a 15-0 lead, before Potapova wraps a forehand into the net after being drawn forwards by her opponent.  But just as Boulter seems to be finding rhythm on her serve, she produces another double-fault to let the Austrian back into this game. Fortunately, she finds her first serve on the next point, taking a bit of pace off it, and it brings about the error from Potapova.  Another first serve finds the target and after dragging Potapova up the court, Boulter secures a very convincing and very timely hold.  7:51PM Boulter 7-5 0-2 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard A poorly-executed drop-shot from Potapova hands Boulter a 0-15 lead before some wonderful variation from the Briton sets up the chance for the backhand winner down the line.  A tidy serve and forehand combination from Potapova makes it 15-30 before Boulter fails to capitalise on an excellent return, catching the net with her subsequent shot. A slightly wild return from the British No 3 makes it 40-30, and she catches the net with a forehand, sealing the hold for Potapova.  7:48PM Boulter* 7-5 0-1 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Boulter immediately puts herself under pressure at the start of this second set, with a pair of wayward groundstrokes handing her opponent a 0-30 lead.  A punchy second serve pays off, with Potapova’s return catching the net. The Austrian then pushes a backhand into the net when on top in the next point, and she is clearly unhappy once again.  Boulter produces another double-fault, her sixth of the match, making it 30-40. But some heavy hitting from Potapova wears the Briton down and clinches the early break in this second set.  Boulter needs to start finding more of her first serves if she is to see this match out.  7:42PM Huge moment for Boulter Link copied to clipboard That’s a huge moment for Boulter. At times during that set she was really struggling to hold her serve, but in the end it didn’t matter and she has the crucial advantage. Potapova was hitting hard and flat at the start of the match but seems to have changed it up and is now playing loopier balls. What she chooses to do in the next set will be interesting. 7:39PM Boulter 7-5 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Can Boulter clinch it here or are we heading into a tiebreak? Potapova just about catches line with a winner, though Boulter disagrees. The umpire has a look and it remains 15-0.  A wayward strike from the Austrian lets her opponent back in it, before a brilliant Boulter return makes it 15-30. The Briton dominates the next point, eventually wearing Potapova down, and she has two set points.  Boulter fails to dig a backhand over the net but some wonderful striking on the next point once again forces the mistake and she seals the opening set.  7:35PM Boulter* 6-5 Potapova Link copied to clipboard The longest rally of the match at the start of this next game goes in Boulter’s favour, with Potapova eventually going long after some sweet striking from the Briton.  A long return from Potapova on Boulter’s second serve makes it 30-0 and the Austrian is hugely frustrated with that one.  Boulter drags a backhand wide, before a double-fault makes it 30-30. But a very timely pin-point second serve forces the long return from Potapova. Another one beyond the baseline from the 25-year-old and Boulter edges ahead once more.    7:30PM Boulter 5-5 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard So, Potapova is serving to stay in this opening set. Can Boulter clinch a fourth break of the match? The Briton takes a 0-15 lead but a pair of long groundstrokes make it 30-15 to her opponent.  The first double-fault of the match from the Austrian opens the door again for Boulter but a miss-hit backhand gives Potapova the game point. A big first serve then gets it done for the 25-year-old.  7:26PM Boulter* 5-4 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Boulter, in desperate need of a hold here, goes ahead after a long groundstroke from Potapova, but the Austrian hits a wonderful backhand winner down the line to restore parity. Boulter comes to the net on the next point and a forehand into the corner does the job. A superb, delicate drop shot then brings her two game points.  An excellent backhand return from Potapova, deep into the corner, reduces her deficit, but Boulter does then secure the hold, with her opponent floating a backhand long.  7:21PM Boulter 4-4 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Boulter drags her first return of serve wide, but her second is strong and it brings about the error from Potapova. A wayward return on the next point restores a lead for the Austrian, who gets incredibly lucky on the next point, with her forehand catching the top of the net and just landing on Boulter’s side. Boulter does well to reach it but Potapova then has an empty court to hit her winner into. A big serve from the 25-year-old earns her a first hold of the match. 7:19PM Odd match so far Link copied to clipboard It’s been an odd match so far. Potapova seems happier attacking Boulter’s serve than holding her own. In fact, Boulter’s hold at the start of the set feels like an anomaly, with the players exchanging breaks at the same frequency they would traditionally have exchanged holds of serve. 7:17PM Boulter* 4-3 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Potapova goes 0-15 up as Boulter looks to finally build on one of her breaks. A groundstroke into the net makes it 15-15. Another untimely double-fault from the Briton sees her fall behind again before a spectacular forehand from her opponent sets up another pair of break points.  A big first serve down the middle can only be returned into the net by Potapova but another double-fault seals the break for the Austrian.  That’s four double-faults now for Boulter, with two of them when facing break points.    7:13PM Boulter 4-2 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Boulter begins the next game with a punishing backhand return, but Potapova dominates the next point with her backhand and the Briton eventually slices into the net. 15 each. An aggressive approach from Boulter brings its rewards with a dragged forehand from her opponent, but she fails to capitalise on an inviting second serve on the next point, catching the net and making it 30-30. Potapova sweeps a forehand into the corner to make it 40-30, but Boulter responds with a wonderful backhand return down the line. Boulter takes control of the next rally and eventually a tired backhand from her opponent sets up another break point in this opening set. Potapova shows great defence during the next point but ultimately, Boulter seals the break with another brilliant backhand down the line. 7:08PM Conditions still testing Link copied to clipboard It might not be the heat of the day that proved too much for Jannik Sinner, but make no mistake it is still warm on court 13, which is almost becoming a graveyeard court for British tennis players this year. Emma Raducanu and Francesca Jones both suffered bagel first-sets and went on to lose on this court, while Cameron Norrie was also on the same patch of clay when he retired in the first round. 7:07PM Boulter* 3-2 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Boulter continues the theme of the players struggling on serve, falling 0-15 behind with a wayward groundstroke.  A great return from Potapova does not get rewarded, with Boulter just about reacting and managing to find the corner of the court.  A powerful winner from the Austrian restores her lead in this game, before the attempted drop-shot from Boulter catches the net. Two break points for Potapova. Boulter pushes a forehand long and it is another break, so we are back on serve.  7:04PM Boulter 3-1 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Boulter catches the net with a backhand, that appeared to be heading wide anyway. Potapova does the same on the next point, making it 15-15. Great depth from Boulter forces a dragged forehand from her opponent, who has been struggling to find her first serve so far.  Another second serve for Potapova and another dominant point from Boulter, setting up two break points. The higher-ranked player then drags a backhand wide, with the point at her mercy, and it’s a third successive break in this match. 7:00PM Boulter* 2-1 Potapova Link copied to clipboard Can Boulter build on this fast start? She falls behind at the start of her next service game, eventually finding the net at the end of a lengthy exchange.  With Boulter at the net, a sensational passing backhand from Potapova makes it 0-30 to the Austrian.  That is followed by the first double-fault of the match and suddenly Boulter’s early break threatens to be immediately wiped out.  The Briton claws one point back after a long groundstroke from Potapova but the break-back is sealed with another double-fault. Big disappointment for Boulter.  6:56PM Boulter 2-0 Potapova* Link copied to clipboard Boulter looks to attack Potapova’s second serve but her pacey return goes just beyond the baseline.  Again, Boulter is positive off her opponent’s second serve and this time it brings the reward, with a wide forehand from Potapova making it 15 each. Another lengthy exchange is dominated by Boulter to take a 15-30 lead in this game and she then establishes two break points with her opponent catching the net.  Both are wasted though, with a long return and a backhand into the net. Deuce it is. The Briton earns a third break point as Potapova catches the net again, but the Austrian saves it with her first ace of the match.  A groundstroke is pushed long by Potapova, setting up a fourth break point for Boulter, and this time it’s taken, with a wonderful return into the corner off her opponent’s second serve.    6:49PM Boulter* 1-0 Potapova Link copied to clipboard It’s a strong start from Potapova with a pummelling return of Boulter’s second serve enough to claim the first point of the match.  The second rally is a long one and it’s the Briton who comes out on top, eventually forcing the long groundstroke.  Potapova sends an attempted backhand winner just long before a positive serve and volley from Boulter makes it 40-15.   Boulter pushes a backhand long but Potapova then drags a forehand well wide and it’s an assured hold for the British No 3. 6:45PM Here we go Link copied to clipboard The warm-ups are complete and it will be Boulter to serve first.  6:43PM Waiting in the third round Link copied to clipboard The winner of tonight’s match will be rewarded with a third-round clash against defending champion Coco Gauff after the American’s straightforward victory over Mayar Sherif.  6:40PM Court switch for Boulter brings forward start time Link copied to clipboard Katie Boulter’s match has been moved to Court 13 from Court 6, bringing forward the start time of this contest, and the players have just come out on to court, meaning they will be getting underway shortly.  6:38PM First-round victories Link copied to clipboard Katie Boulter is into the second round at Roland Garros for the second time after a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over American Akasha Urhobo. Anastasia Potapova, meanwhile, losing just three games in her straight-sets victory over world No 52 Maya Joint. 6:32PM Boulter in second-round action as last remaining Brit Link copied to clipboard Good evening and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of the second round at the French Open, with Katie Boulter taking on Anastasia Potapova as the last remaining British singles player at Roland Garros.  The 29-year-old was one of just two British players to make it through the opening round, along with Francesca Jones, following her 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over American Akasha Urhobo.  British No 1 Emma Raducanu lost in straight sets against Argentina’s Solana Sierra, while Cameron Norrie, the main hope in the men’s singles, retired through injury, with Toby Samuel and Jacob Fearnley also losing out.  Jones, whose first-round win was her first at a Grand Slam tournament, was beaten in straight sets by Marie Bouzkova on Wednesday, leaving Boulter as the last remaining hope.  Aside from winning her fourth career title at the Ostrava Open in Czechia in February, the world No 71 has struggled to threaten at the latter end of tournaments this season, including at the Australian Open in January, when she was beaten in the opening round.  Boulter is hoping to reach the third round at Roland Garros for the first time, having already equalled her furthest run from last season, but she comes into Thursday’s contest as the underdog, taking on 28th seed Potapova, who is 41 places above the British No 3 in the world rankings.  The Austrian has looked promising on clay this season, reaching the final in Linz, the semi-finals in Madrid, and the fourth round in Rome. The 25-year-old took this form into the opening round at Roland Garros, losing just three games in her straight-sets victory over world No 52 Maya Joint.