Boulter upsets Noskova at Japan Open

The world number 59 beat her Czech opponent 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in one hour and 36 minutes in Osaka to set up a second-round tie against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.

It was Boulter’s first victory against a top-20 opponent since beating Paula Badosa at Wimbledon in July.
Both players lost their serve three times in the first set but Boulter dominated the tie-break to take an advantage.
Boulter improved significantly in the second set, when she won 78% of points on serve compared to 51% during the first set.