Brenda Fruhvirtova’s Exit Grants Katie Boulter Passage at Miami Open
Britain’s Katie Boulter has advanced to the third round of the Miami Open after her teenage opponent Brenda Fruhvirtova withdrew from the match due to illness.
Boulter, who is currently the top-ranked British women’s player and has had a strong start to 2024, was leading 7-6 (7-5) 1-0 when the 16-year-old Fruhvirtova made the decision to stop playing.
The Czech player began to struggle in the Florida heat, requesting medical assistance twice during the match.
“While winning like that is not how I wanted it, I’ll take it, but I hope she gets better,” said Boulter in an interview with Sky Sports. “During the match, I saw her coaches indicating for her to withdraw, but then she didn’t.”
Boulter acknowledged the mental challenge of staying focused under such circumstances, expressing relief at earning her first victory at the Miami Open, a prestigious WTA 1000 event.
Although Boulter’s performance was not her best, she managed to capitalize on Fruhvirtova’s struggles, particularly after the teenager’s energy levels began to wane.
Fruhvirtova, considered one of the most promising talents on the WTA Tour, had initially taken the lead in the first set and was playing confidently before needing medical attention.
Boulter, seeded 24th, looks ahead to her third-round match against Brazilian 11th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia. She aims to build on her recent successes and continue her momentum in the tournament.
