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Katie Boulter is tearing her way through the grass! After a massive title victory in Nottingham, the WTA star’s attempt to outshine Birmingham was hindered in the opening match. While the Briton is not at all ready to give up on her confidence, she is set to start her journey in Eastbourne with an opening-round showdown against Petra Martic.

Having made it to the semi-finals in her last event, the Croatian WTA star is determined to showcase her potential in this one as well. As it can be hard to decide on a pick, a detailed analysis is the best way to simplify. Here are the odds!

Katie Boulter vs Petra Martic: Preview

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Katie Boulter

Currently holding the 32nd spot in the world rankings, British WTA star Katie Boulter is set to begin her run for the title in Eastbourne after a recent defeat in Birmingham. She retired in the first round against Anhelina Kalinina.

  • 2024 Season Performance : Boulter has an impressive 21-11 win-loss record this year, including a strong 5-1 on grass.
  • Career Highlights : This season, she secured titles in San Diego and Nottingham. The WTA star secured a win over Marta Kostyuk 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in San Diego, while her remarkable victory in Nottingham came after serving a swift defeat to Karolina Pliskova with a score of 4-6, 6-3 , 6-2.

Boulter’s overall career record stands at 309-186 which showcases that she has managed to stay consistent. Specifically looking at her record on the grass courts, she holds a positive 48-31 score, increasing her chances of winning in the upcoming showdown.

Despite her recent setback in Birmingham, the Briton’s overall performance on the green surface has propelled her to a career high ranking of 32 and the British No. 1 in WTA. As she is now looking forward to dashing for the title in Eastbourne, it would still be a test yet an opportunity for her.

Petra Martic

Currently ranked No. 74 in the world, Petra Martic advanced to the first round in Eastbourne after a remarkable win over Xiyu Wang with a final scoreline of 7-6(6), 6-2.

  • 2024 Season Performance : Martic has a 10-13 win-loss record this year, with a 1-1 record on grass.
  • Best Result This Season : Her standout performance was reaching the semifinal in Makarska.
  • Previous Achievements : Last year, her best result was reaching the quarterfinals.

Martic has faced a fair share of ups and downs in her career. Her semifinal run in Makarska clearly shows the fact that she can take down her rivals at ease on this surface. While her upcoming match opponent has a better experience of navigating through tough competitors, securing a win won’t be easy for the Croatian.

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Boulter vs Martic: Head-to-head

Katie Boulter and Petra Martic will face each other for the second time in their careers so far. Their head-to-head record is 1-0 with the Croatian holding the lead. The last time they faced each other, Martic won 6-4, 7-5 in the first round in the same event back in 2023. While their upcoming showdown is set to drop similar conditions, it is set to be an even ground for Boulter to complete her revenge.

Prediction: Boulter to win in straight sets

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The Nottingham Open champion Katie Boulter has a strong game on grass especially of late, which gives her an edge over Petra Martic. Although Martic defeated Boulter in the first round in Eastbourne last year, her determination to be on top of her game can be challenging to face.

However, this year, the Croatian is set to play her first match on grass, which might make it harder for her to adjust to Boulter’s experience on the same surface. Given Boulter’s current form and grass-court skills, it seems likely that she will win in straight sets and avenge last year’s defeat to even the score.