KATIE BOULTER claimed a straight-sets win over Linda Noskova in the first round of the Japan Open today.

Boulter faced a tough test against Noskova, who was seeded second in the competition and is ranked 17th in the world, but the Briton battled to a 7-6 (3) 6-3 victory in Osaka.

Boulter came from behind to level the opening set at 4-4 and broke Noskova’s serve for a third time to take the lead, but was unable to convert set point chances and it went to a tie-breaker where she finally prevailed.

An entertaining battle saw the score locked at 2-2 in the second set before the Briton began to pull away, breaking Noskova’s serve in the sixth game.

Noskova fought back and won the following game, but Boulter coolly served the match out to set up a meeting with Sorana Cirstea in the next round.

Speaking on court after the match, Boulter said: “Really pleased with my performance today.

“I think it’s been a difficult few weeks and I just tried to better myself and commit to the ball and go for it.

“Against someone like that you kind of have to win the match, they’re not going to lose it, and I went out there and played a really good match today so I’m happy.”

Number one seed Naomi Osaka cruised to a 6-0 6-4 win over Wakana Sonobe and will now face Suzan Lamens in the round of 16.