Katie Boulter sets up possible Coco Gauff test after booking China Open third round spot
Coco Gauff overcame Taylor Townsend in straight sets at the China Open.
British No.1 Katie Boulter produced a great comeback to defeat Taylor Townsend and secure her place in the third round of the China Open in Beijing.
Despite a shaky start that saw her trailing 4-1 to the American player, Boulter rallied to win five consecutive games, ultimately claiming a 6-4 6-4 victory.
The 26th seed is aiming to end the season on a high note and claw her way back into the top 30.
She maintained relentless pressure on Townsend's serve throughout the second set, finally breaking in the ninth game before capitalising on her first match point.
Boulter may next face fourth seed Coco Gauff, who is scheduled to play against France's Clara Burel later on Friday.
In other news, Chinese wildcard Zhang Shuai, who recently broke a nearly two-year long, 24-match losing streak in singles, stunned eighth seed Emma Navarro 6-4 6-2 in the second round.
