Katie Boulter is on a roll, notching her seventh straight win on the WTA Tour as Camila Osorio retired during their second-round clash at the Merida Open. Fresh off a victory at the Ostrava Open, Boulter took the first set 6-3 before Osorio, dealing with physical issues, decided to call it quits.
Next up for world number 69 Boulter is a quarter-final showdown against either top-seeded Italian Jasmine Paolini or Australia's Priscilla Hon.
Reflecting on the match, Boulter expressed empathy for her opponent. "We really don't want to see women with injuries," she said. "I've been there, and it's tough."
With Indian Wells just around the corner, starting on March 4th, Boulter is looking to carry her momentum into one of the year's premier tournaments.
Boulter's 2026 campaign is a fresh start after a challenging 2025 season. A new partnership with coach Michael Joyce, known for guiding Maria Sharapova to Grand Slam glory, seems to be paying dividends.
Boulter's powerful baseline game has been effective against lower-ranked opponents, but her service game still needs polishing. Against Osorio, a low first-serve percentage forced her to fend off four break points. However, she capitalized on Osorio's struggles, attacking her second serve with precision.
The slower courts in Merida aren't exactly Boulter's ideal setting, especially after coming from the faster indoor surfaces in Ostrava. Yet, she found solace in her improved return game against Osorio.
Looking ahead, Boulter knows she must elevate her game further, especially if she faces Paolini. The Italian's shot-making and athletic prowess have challenged Boulter in the past, making their potential quarter-final clash an exciting prospect.