Swiss star Belinda Bencic made a formidable start to her Australian Open campaign, comprehensively defeating Britain's Katie Boulter in straight sets on Margaret Court Arena. The 10th seed secured a 6-0, 7-5 victory to advance to the second round in Melbourne.
Bencic's Flawless Start
Bencic, who entered the tournament in scintillating form, wasted no time in asserting her dominance. The first set was a masterclass, with the Olympic champion committing just three unforced errors and ruthlessly exposing the limitations in Boulter's game.
The Briton's flat, linear ball-striking played directly into Bencic's strengths. Standing firm on the baseline, Bencic used her exceptional timing and hand-eye coordination to redirect Boulter's pace with ease, controlling rallies with relentless depth and intelligent changes of direction.
Boulter's Second-Set Fightback
To her credit, Katie Boulter refused to capitulate. She found her rhythm on serve at the start of the second set and began to play more aggressively, managing to go toe-to-toe with the seed.
Boulter even fought back to retrieve a break and lead 5-4, threatening to force the match into a decider. However, Bencic's confidence and big-match experience proved decisive in the closing stages.
"When the crucial moments arrived, Bencic elevated her level, breaking Boulter's serve once more before clinically serving out the match," summarised one courtside observer.
The Gap to the Top
This match starkly illustrated the challenge facing Boulter, whose ranking has slipped to world number 113 after a difficult 2025. For Bencic, it was another statement win in a perfect start to the year; she is now 6-0 in 2026, having led Switzerland to the United Cup final with wins over top-ten opponents.
Bencic's remarkable comeback from maternity leave in 2025, which saw her rise from outside the top 400 to a Wimbledon semi-final and a year-end ranking of 11, appears to have been a springboard. She is now firmly considered a genuine contender for the title in Melbourne.
For Boulter, the focus turns to rebuilding with her new coach, Michael Joyce. The immediate goal will be to regain the ranking consistency that once saw her reach a career-high of 23, ensuring she avoids such daunting first-round draws at future majors.
In other British news on Tuesday, Sonay Kartal also exited in the first round, falling to the 31st seed, Anna Kalinskaya, 7-6(3), 6-1.
