\n<\/p>\n
Boulter came into the opening major of the season on the back of a fine 2024 in which she rose into the world’s top 25 for the first time.<\/p>\n
A deep run at a Grand Slam tournament has continued to elude her, though, despite the benefit of being seeded at the French Open, Wimbledon, the US Open and now the Australian Open.<\/p>\n
Before the tournament on the Melbourne hard courts, Boulter talked about “putting more emphasis” on performing well at the sport’s most prestigious events.<\/p>\n
What looked to be a favourable draw enhanced the opportunity to achieve that.<\/p>\n
But she admitted battling past Canada’s 98th-ranked Rebecca Marino in the first round was “stressful” and again looked subdued against another player ranked way below her.<\/p>\n
“I was thinking straight the whole time. I just don’t think I quite played the way that I wanted to play,” said Boulter.<\/p>\n
Boulter’s early exit is even tougher to take considering she arrived at Melbourne Park having started the season well.<\/p>\n
Strong showings at the season-opening United Cup included pushing five-time major champion Iga Swiatek in a narrow defeat.<\/p>\n
“Last week I’m going toe to toe with Swiatek. Your level doesn’t go anywhere from week to week,” Boulter added.<\/p>\n
“It’s just about now being able to transfer that and keep going at it and making it more consistent.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n