Miami Open: Katie Boulter Beats Brenda Fruhvirtova

Illness forces Brenda Fruhvirtova, Boulter’s 16-year-old opponent, to retire, sending British number one Katie Boulter into the Miami Open third round.

Boulter, who has made a strong start to 2024, led the second-round match 7-6 (7-5) 1-0 when Fruhvirtova withdrew.

The Czech player led by an early break but struggled in the Florida heat and twice asked to see a doctor.

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“To win like that, I’ll take it but I want her to get better,” said Boulter.

Speaking to Sky Sports, she added. “Halfway through the match I’m seeing her coaches telling her to pull out and then she’s not.

“One minute she’s struggling to put the ball in the court and the next she’s running 10 shots side to side. It’s a tough mental game.”

In the men’s singles, British number three Dan Evans fought back to beat Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego and earn a rare win in what has been a difficult start to the season.

Evans, 33, showed his fight and resilience to secure a 1-6 6-3 6-4 victory against the world number 53.

43rd-ranked Evans battled to his third win in nine matches this year, securing a second-round clash against American 31st seed Christopher Eubanks.

“I’m really happy – it has been a tragic year so far,” Evans said.

Rain forecast in Florida threatens to disrupt a packed Friday schedule, with Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper all set for their second-round matches.

Miami Open: Katie Boulter Beats Brenda Fruhvirtova