Australian Open 2025: Katie Boulter loses to Veronika Kudermetova in the second round

Boulter entered the season’s opening major on the back of a fine 2024, where she climbed into the world’s top 25 for the first time.

However, a deep run at a Grand Slam tournament has continued to elude her, despite the advantage of being seeded at the French Open, Wimbledon, US Open and now the Australian Open.

Ahead of the tournament on Melbourne’s hard courts, Boulter spoke of “putting more emphasis” on performing well at the sport’s most prestigious events.

What appeared to be a favorable draw increased the possibility of achieving it.

But she admitted getting past Canada’s 98th-ranked Rebecca Marino in the first round was “stressful” and again looked subdued against another player ranked far below her.

“I was thinking straight the whole time. I just don’t think I played the way I wanted to play,” Boulter said.

Boulter’s early exit is even harder to take considering she arrived at Melbourne Park having started the season well.

Strong results at the season-opening United Cup included pushing five-time major champion Iga Swiatek to a narrow defeat.

“Last week I go toe to toe with Swiatek. Your level doesn’t go anywhere from week to week,” Boulter added.

“It’s just about now being able to transfer it and keep at it and make it more consistent.”