The city of Ostrava is buzzing once again as the WTA Ostrava Open makes its much-anticipated return to the tennis calendar for the first time since 2022. Among the headline acts this year is Britain’s Katie Boulter, who steps onto Center Court for her tournament debut against home favorite and wildcard Lucie Havlickova. Scheduled for February 3, 2026, at 1:00 pm local time, this first-round clash is already drawing attention for its intriguing mix of experience, ambition, and local pride.
For Boulter, currently ranked world No. 120, the Ostrava Open is more than just another stop on the tour—it’s a crucial opportunity to reignite her climb back up the rankings after a challenging 2025 season. Once a fixture in the world’s top 25, Boulter’s momentum was derailed last year by a torn abductor muscle, forcing her out of action and sending her ranking into a tailspin. The British No. 1 is now in rebuilding mode, and with no points to defend this month, she’s eyeing a clear path to re-entering the coveted Top 100.
Her 2026 campaign, however, has started quietly. Boulter suffered early exits in both Auckland (losing to Elina Svitolina) and at the Australian Open in Melbourne, where she fell to Belinda Bencic in the first round on January 20. Despite these setbacks, her 2025 statistics suggest a player capable of turning things around: across 33 matches last year, Boulter fired 99 aces and converted 47.3% of break points. She’s shown solid baseline efficiency when healthy, although her return game—winning 42% of return points—remains a relative weakness.
To address consistency, Boulter has brought in renowned coach Michael Joyce, hoping that a fresh voice in her camp can help her regain her edge. "If Boulter is gunning for a Top 100 return, this feels like a very important phase in her season," noted one analyst, pointing to her open draw and the momentum she could build in Ostrava.
Her opponent, Lucie Havlickova, enters the tournament as a wildcard and the clear underdog, but she’s hardly a player to overlook. Ranked No. 276, the 18-year-old Czech is largely untested at WTA main-draw level but boasts an impressive record on the ITF circuit, especially in Central Europe. Havlickova has collected multiple singles and doubles titles and reached the Round of 16 in Prague last year. The step up to WTA competition is significant, but her all-court game, solid movement, and baseline prowess make her a dangerous opponent—especially with the Ostrava crowd firmly in her corner.
Statistically, Havlickova has been more clutch than her ranking might suggest, particularly in saving break points and in her overall service points won, reflecting her successful runs at the ITF level. Her career record stands at 118-67, including an impressive 55-20 on indoor hard courts. However, her 2026 season has started with a 0-2 record, including a recent loss to Jorge in Porto on January 28.
For Boulter, the numbers are more robust: a career record of 349-222 and a 62-34 mark on indoor hard courts. This match will be her first on indoor hard this year, but she’s no stranger to the surface. Still, mental resilience will be key. "Boulter is mentally tough in general but her recent downturn in the rankings sometimes makes her a little more vulnerable, especially if a player gets into her head," observed a British tennis commentator. The consensus is that she’ll want to start quickly, leaning on her serve and forehand to dictate play and avoid giving Havlickova a foothold.
There’s plenty at stake for both players. For Boulter, it’s a chance to prove that her best tennis is still ahead of her and to validate the changes she’s made in her coaching setup. For Havlickova, it’s an opportunity to announce herself on the WTA stage, backed by the energy of a home crowd and the unpredictability that comes with youth and inexperience. The two have never faced each other before, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Betting markets have taken notice of the experience gap. Odds from major sportsbooks have Boulter as the clear favorite, with a moneyline around -158. Analysts cite her WTA-level pedigree and her ability to handle stronger return pressure as key advantages. "From a market perspective, Boulter’s -158 price reflects uncertainty around fitness and recent form rather than matchup parity. On paper, the experience gap is substantial," noted a betting analyst at FanDuel. "Havlickova’s upside lies in unfamiliarity and home-court comfort, but those factors also introduce variance rather than reliability."
Of course, tennis is never played on paper alone. Havlickova’s adaptability and her ability to play freely, buoyed by the home support, could make things interesting. As one Czech tennis fan put it, "She moves well, she hits solidly from the baseline off both wings and with the home crowd behind her, she will have a lot going for her as she tries to claim a higher ranked scalp."
Elsewhere in Ostrava, the tournament’s opening Tuesday is packed with action, featuring six matches on the schedule. Other notable first-round encounters include Rebecca Sramkova vs. Vendula Valdmannova and Caty McNally vs. Tereza Martincova, both of which are generating their own buzz. The top seed in Ostrava is Tatjana Maria, while the previous champion, Barbora Krejcikova, is not in the draw this year. TV coverage for the event is extensive, with broadcasts on Tennis Channel (US), Sky Sports (UK), Eurosport (Europe), Canal+ Sport (Czech Republic), and beIN Sports (selected regions). Streaming is available via the WTA TV app and other regional platforms.
As the Ostrava Open gets underway, all eyes will be on Center Court to see if Boulter can put her recent setbacks behind her and kickstart her season, or if Havlickova can spring a surprise in front of her home fans. With both players eager to make a statement, fans can expect a match full of intensity, tactical shifts, and perhaps a few twists along the way.
Whatever the outcome, the return of the Ostrava Open—and this compelling first-round showdown—signals that women’s tennis in 2026 is off to a thrilling start. Stay tuned as the action unfolds in Czechia, with plenty more drama and excitement sure to follow.