Britain’s Katie Boulter survived a relentless first‑round duel to reach the French Open second round, edging American wildcard Akasha Urhobo 7‑5, 4‑6, 7‑5. The 29‑year‑old fought through two hours and ten minutes, breaking Urhobo’s serve six times. The win lifts Boulter back into the top‑100 after a turbulent 2025.

After slipping from world No.24 to outside the top 100 in 2025 and losing her British No.1 spot, Boulter split from long‑time coach Biljana Veselinovic and hired former Sharapova mentor Michael Joyce in early 2026. A WTA 250 title in Ostrava and a third‑round run in Miami nudged her back up, but she entered Paris with only three tour‑level wins on clay.

Urhobo’s 58 unforced errors contrasted with Boulter’s 35, a margin that proved decisive as the Briton claimed the final set. The victory not only secures a second‑round berth but also restores confidence ahead of the grass‑court swing, where Boulter hopes to cement her return to form.

With the Paris win, Boulter climbs back into the world’s top 80, narrowing the gap to compatriot Emma Raducanu and reinforcing her claim as Britain’s new female standard‑bearer. Her next match pits her against a seeded opponent, offering a clear test of whether the coaching change has translated into consistent results.