Miami Open 2026: Katie Boulter through to third round as Jack Draper loses to Reilly Opelka

Boulter progressed after 17^th seed Clara Tauson retired early in the deciding set at 6-7(4), 6-4, 1-0 in favour of the Briton.

Meanwhile, Opelka defeated Draper 7-6(3), 7-6(0) with the big-serving American hitting 47 winners and 25 aces.

Boulter back into the Miami Open third round

Boulter moves on to the third round for the second time in her career, where she will play the winner between 13^th seed Karolina Muchova and Camila Osorio.

Following the end of the stop-start match, due to rainy conditions, Boulter consoled her opponent on the bench.

“I wish her the best – it’s not nice to be injured,” Boulter said. “It was a complete battle, some ugly tennis and ugly conditions as well, but you have to find a way. Unfortunately she couldn’t finish but it is what it is.

“It’s never the way you want to win but happy to be through to the next round.”

The British star lost the opening set in a tie-break despite leading by a break twice – including an opportunity to serve it out at 5-4.

In the second set it was Boulter’s turn to show her battle and resilience. The former British No.1 and four-time WTA title-winner fought back from 2-0 down and saved two break points of her own in a crucial game at 4-4.

After the hold, Boulter turned on the attack once again – raising two set points before forcing the Dane into an error off a backhand volley.

Now on level terms, the match looked set for a nail-biting decider, but on her opening service game Tauson seemed to be in a lot of discomfort. She called for the physio before quickly making the decision to retire from the match.

“Honestly that match could have gone very quickly,” she added. “In the first set I put a lot of pressure on myself to get it done – I thought I played some really good stuff.

“I had a few frustrations boiling after the first set and I easily could have gone down quickly but I managed to regroup myself quickly at 2-0 down. I was pleased with the way I mentally fought today as it easily could have gone the other way.”

Opelka faultless against Draper

28-year-old Opelka gave Draper very little to work with in a tough contest for the British No.1.

With only one break point between the two of them in an hour an 35 minute contest, the match ultimately came down to two strong tie-breaks from the American.

After getting the early mini break in the first set tie-break, Opelka his five unreturnable serves to take the advantage.

The second tie-break was arguably even more impressive. Opelka hit a clean forehand winner to get the opening mini break again before running away with it.

The world No.67 showed no chinks in his armour throughout the match and Draper was unable to stop him from winning the final seven straight points to see out the match.

This was Draper’s third tournament since returning from injury and the Briton will now turn his attention to the clay court season.