Katie Boulter beaten by Belinda Bencic in Australian Open first round

Katie Boulter (pictured) fell to defeat against Belinda Bencic (Aaron Favila/AP) - (AP)

Emma Raducanu will carry British hopes alone into the second round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open after Katie Boulter was beaten by Belinda Bencic.

Boulter has slumped to 113 in the rankings and only snuck into the draw at the last minute – to find herself paired with arguably the most in-form player in the women’s game.