Wimbledon 2024: Katie Boulter & Jack Draper victories set up clashes with British No.2s

In getting over the road, Boulter now joins Dart, Emma Raducanu, Lily Miyazaki and Sonay Kartal – marking the primary time that 5 British ladies have reached the second spherical in SW19 since 1987.

A highly-anticipated all-British battle in opposition to Dart now awaits the 27-year-old on Thursday, in what is about to be a must-watch match. The British No.1 leads the head-to-head 6-1 and can take confidence into the match-up after claiming victory of their most up-to-date assembly on the Rothesay Open Nottingham final month.

“Enjoying a Brit within the UK on the grass isn’t a straightforward draw – I’m anticipating an absolute battle” Boulter added.

“We’ve performed fairly a number of occasions earlier than, so I’ll be taking a look at these and eager about what I’m going to do going into it. For me, it’s about taking part in the tennis ball not the individual, we’re clearly Billie Jean King Cup teammates on the courtroom so I’ve acquired to attempt to neglect that and concentrate on the tennis.”

In the meantime, Britain’s newly topped males’s No.1 Draper got here out on the successful facet of a marathon match in opposition to Mikael Ymer, ending 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to arrange a second-round assembly in opposition to compatriot Cam Norrie.

After lacking out on final yr’s match as a result of damage, the 28 seed returned to motion in dramatic style – getting back from a set right down to ultimately scrape via in 5 units after three hours and 17 minutes.

“I missed it right here final yr, not having the ability to play. I do know you most likely needed to see Andy out right here however you had been caught with me as an alternative.

“I really like taking part in in entrance of a great deal of individuals so thanks, it actually helped me out right here. There have been some nervy moments however I actually respect the entire assist, it means lots.”

The 22-year-old was initially scheduled to play on Courtroom 2 however after Andy Murray withdrew from the singles draw earlier this morning, Draper was gifted the chance to compete on probably the most prestigious stage in world tennis.

The rising star has ceaselessly credited the previous world No.1 for his assist via the early levels of his profession and tonight’s present felt like a becoming tribute to his sporting idol beneath the lights on Centre Courtroom.

“What an honour, pondering of the quantity ones who got here earlier than me – Tim (Henman), Andy (Murray), Cam Norrie. A phrase on Andy, I wouldn’t be right here with out Andy he’s an unimaginable man off the courtroom, so humorous so real and certainly one of a sort. What a competitor and what a champion so thanks very a lot”

Draper will now re-focus his consideration to his upcoming match in opposition to his predecessor Norrie, after he eased to a straight units victory over Facundo Diaz Acosta 7-5, 7-5, 6-3.

It will mark their third ATP tour assembly, with Norrie successful each of their earlier matches on the cinch Championships (2021) and the Miami Open (2022). Nevertheless, with Draper carrying confidence and momentum after clinching his first tour-level title on the Boss Open and downing reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz on the Queen’s Membership, it’s secure to say something can occur in SW19.