Boulter and Broady break through in pandemic bounce for British tennis

It is a strange thought but had it not been for the pandemic, Britain’s leading players might not be enjoying such success at this year’s Wimbledon. After 10 Britons made it into round two, the best since 1984, Katie Boulter and Liam Broady will bid for a place in the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time, trying to join Heather Watson and Cameron Norrie, who are already there after wins on Friday.

In early 2020, when the pandemic began, British players were thrust together by circumstance, rather than design. The only place they could train once the first set of restrictions were lifted was the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Once maligned and considered an expensive white elephant, it again became a place of hope for Britain’s top players.

With Andy Murray offering advice and practice with anyone who wanted it, the camaraderie grew. The Battle of the Brits tournament, organised by Jamie Murray, gave competitive tennis when they needed it most.

The only disappointment for Boulter, in particular, is that she will not be back on one of the main two courts, having revelled on Centre Court in beating Karolina Pliskova, last year’s finalist, in the previous round. Instead, she will be first on No 2 Court, while Broady will play on No 1 Court, against Boulter’s boyfriend, the Australian, Alex de Minaur.

The 17 British players in the main draw this year was the most since 2001 and though 10 were wildcards, the success rate has been impressive. Seeing a group of home players supporting one other and feeding off one another has been uplifting. And the fact that it’s a group of new names for the most part is equally encouraging.

Boulter’s resurgence has been especially noteworthy. Having dropped out of the top 100