KATIE WILL GO LOW TO CLIMB

KATIE BOULTER is ready to drop down to lower-level tournaments after losing in the first round of the Australian Open.

- FROM YASMIN SYED

The British No.4, above, came up against 10th seed Belinda Bencic, one of the most inform players of the year, losing 6-0 7-5.

Boulter was the No.22 seed here just a year ago but after struggling with injuries and loss of form, she fell out of the top 100 and thought she would have to go through qualifying in Melbourne.

A few late withdrawals allowed Boulter to get into the main draw.

But after bowing out in round one, the Brit knows she will now need to go back to qualifying for WTA events or playing on the second-tier circuit.