Boulter revels in playing at 'home' in Nottingham

Katie Boulter says the LTA's Rothesay Open Nottingham provides her with the perfect opportunity to repay her nearest and dearest. The Leicester player, who has recently graduated from the LTA's Pro Scholarship Programme, soared to British No.1 with her run to the semi-finals in Surbiton last week and got life to her new era at the summit underway with a comfortable 6-1 6-3 win over compatriot Emily Appleton at the second grass court event of the British season. Ad Boulter grew up playing at the Nottingham Tennis Centre after being introduced to the sport by her mum and grandpa in the East Midlands.

TennisBroady looking to improve confidence after opening Nottingham victory14 MINUTES AGO Both were in attendance for Tuesday's straightforward last 32 triumph and Boulter, the world No.126, says she's loving the cyclical nature of returning to the venue once again. «This is my home tournament — this is the centre I grew up playing at and I've got a lot of close friends who are from Nottingham,» said Boulter. «Obviously I can have my mum and my grandpa her, and that is everything to me.

»Those are the matches that I play for, because ultimately I have a lot to give back to them. «They started me in this fantastic sport, so it's very nice to go full circle and have them here supporting me. »I felt like that was a pretty tricky match — it's never easy to play another Brit.

«I felt like I handled the situation well today — it was extremely windy and it wasn't easy out there. »She's a strong player, got a great volley and can be very tricky on a grass court. «I felt like I was very head strong today and played a really good match to come through.» Boulter was one of a record three British women to reach the semi-finals at the