Boulter knocked out of Miami Open in first round

Katie Boulter is making her comeback after two months out with a foot injury

British number one Katie Boulter was knocked out of the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday following a straight-set defeat by Peyton Stearns.

The 28-year-old had lost to the world number 43 on their previous two meetings and the American once again had the measure of her as she won 6-4 6-2.

Stearns will next face 27th seed Elise Mertens in the second round.

Boulter was making her comeback from a foot injury that sidelined her for two months after the Australian Open in January.

She managed to get through to the third round at Indian Wells earlier this month on her return to action, but was no match for an in-form Stearns in Miami.

Boulter was broken three times in a row in the first set and although she showed a glimpse of promise in the second, her 23-year-old opponent soon took control to progress.

"Katie is a great player, it is always tough playing her," said Stearns.

"I knew I had to stay on it and if I gave her anything she would take it."