Boulter enjoyed a fine 2024 season in which she rose into the world’s top 25 for the first time in her career.
A deep run at a Grand Slam tournament remained elusive, though.
Coming into the opening major of the season, Boulter talked about “putting more emphasis” on performing well at the sport’s biggest events this year.
But Boulter, known for her big-serving and heavy-hitting game, almost fell at the first hurdle in Melbourne after meeting her match in the imposing Marino.
This was not the same Marino who was thrashed by Boulter’s team-mate Raducanu at the BJK Cup Finals in November.
Boulter was pushed to the limit by Marino, whose powerful game led to a host of untouchable aces and clean winners.
Not known to get routinely flustered, Boulter was often seeking reassurance from her box and regularly trying to motivate herself with pep talks.
When Marino swatted a thunderous forehand down the line to hold for 2-2 in the decider, a bemused Boulter could only laugh.
A poor dropshot from the baseline in the next game was a sign of the tension she was feeling and she needed the backing of the Melbourne crowd – well aware of her recent engagement to Australian number one Alex de Minaur – to help save two break points.
He appeared on court before the sixth game, having won his opening match a short time before, to add extra support.
From 5-5 0-30 down, Boulter showed her character to hold and took her second match point in the next game with a clinical forehand down the line.
“It was a massive mental challenge for me,” said Leicestershire’s Boulter. “She came out firing and played great.
“I’m happy I found a way – sometimes that’s what these round one matches are about.”
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