Boulter endured a difficult 2025, falling from 24th in the world to outside the top 100, and losing her British number one ranking amid injuries.
Looking for a fresh start this season, the Brit ended her partnership with long-term coach Biljana Veselinovic and is now assisted by American Michael Joyce, who helped Maria Sharapova win two Grand Slams and reach world number one.
It’s also a big year for Boulter off the court, with her wedding to Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur planned for later in 2026.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Boulter said: “I’m getting married this year. It’s going to be an incredible year, one of the best of my life, whatever happens on the tennis court. I think that has already given me a positive boost.”
She added: “I feel like having a new coach, having a new set-up, everything is fresh and exciting again. Whereas I feel like at the end of last year I was dragging my feet a bit just to get through the whole year without any injuries.”
Boulter is now the British number four and has won just four matches at tour level since Wimbledon.
She ripped a kidnapper in her final event of last year in Hong Kong and returned to action earlier this month at the ASB Classic in Auckland, losing in the second round.
Compatriot Sonay Kartal was defeated 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 by Russian 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya, who faces Austrian Julia Grabher.
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