British duo Katie Boulter and Heather Watson’s quest for an Olympic medal came to an end following their defeat to the Italian pair Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini in the women’s doubles quarter-finals.
Boulter and Watson fell short with a score of 6-3 6-1 against the third-seeded team in a challenging match that offered them limited chances.
The British players had teamed up remarkably well this week, overcoming some significant opponents to make it to the quarter-finals.
However, Errani and Paolini, both finalists at the French Open just over seven weeks ago, presented an entirely different challenge.
When asked what makes the Italian team stand out, Watson, 32, remarked: “They don’t miss. They commit almost no unforced errors while also playing incredibly aggressive tennis.”
“Competing against them is quite challenging. They make a fantastic team.”
Boulter, celebrating her 28th birthday, expressed that the joy the British pair experienced throughout the week was evident even in their loss.
“This will undoubtedly be a highlight of my career, especially alongside [Watson],” she declared.
“We’ve had an incredible time, and I truly hold these moments close to my heart; representing our country is something irreplaceable.”
