Australian Open: Katie Boulter through to second round after rollercoaster win over Rebecca Marino - 'Way too stressful'

Katie Boulter is into the second round of the 2025 Australian Open after a dramatic three-set victory over Rebecca Marino. Boulter, the 22nd seed at Melbourne Park, needed over two hours to come past the unseeded Canadian, who fought resolutely but was ultimately beaten 6-4 3-6 7-5 on the Kia Arena. The Briton will face Russian Veronika Kudermetova in the next round.

Boulter roars with delight as she wins first-round dogfight - 'Somehow she found a way'

Video credit: TNT Sports

Katie Boulter said that her first-round victory over Rebecca Marino at the Australian Open was "way too stressful".

The Briton reached the second round in Melbourne with a three-set win, coming through 6-4 3-6 7-5 against the Canadian.

Boulter, the 22nd seed, struggled at times on the Kia Arena, needing over two hours to get the job done.

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The world No. 25 made 38 unforced errors throughout the match, but she found an extra gear to dig herself out of a hole and finally breach Marino’s serve, converting the second of her match points to make it through.

She will face Veronika Kudermetova in the second round at Melbourne Park.

"That was way too stressful for me," Boulter said afterwards.

'That was way too stressful for me!' - Boulter credits crowd for getting her through

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I would’ve really preferred a much easier match. She came out firing today. Literally, this is because of [the crowd] that I got through this today.

"That was massively mental for me. I’ve been playing great tennis on the practice court and I tried so hard to put that on the match court, but when you force it, it really doesn’t work. I found that out tonight.

"She was playing great; I know how tough she can be and I’m happy that I found a way, and that’s what these round one matches are about."

Watch as fired-up Boulter closes out tough opening set against Marino

Video credit: TNT Sports

Boulter is in a relationship with Australian home favourite Alex de Minaur, who also reached the second round - of the men’s draw - with victory over Botic van de Zandschulp.

As such, the Brit received a hero’s welcome from a raucous Melbourne crowd, and De Minaur snuck into Boulter’s player box shortly after he had safely ensured his passage into the next round.

De Minaur delights home fans with fine opening win - Australian Open highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

"This is the closest I’ve ever felt to home," Boulter continued.

"From the moment I landed here, I felt the love. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.

"I’m always striving for more. I felt that I had a good year last year. On paper, it was my career-high ranking and best year. I feel like I can improve my game so much more and every match that I play, I’ve got so much to work on and I’m going to keep improving, and hopefully you’ll see more and more of me this year, and higher up the rankings.

"I figured if he [De Minaur] lost, he might not be sat there. I went with the win, and I heard a massive roar. I figured that was an Aussie win. I’m delighted to see him through."

Watch and stream the 2025 Australian Open live on Eurosport and discovery+

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