Harriet Dart blasted the umpiring as “pretty appalling” after going down to Katie Boulter in a marathon Rothesay Open Battle of Britain. A fired-up Dart was involved in a series of clashes with umpire Kelly Rask over calls that went against her with one point replayed and another overturned.

The tournament referee was also involved in the second set with Dart labelling the standard of officiating in Nottingham as embarrassing.

“It was pretty appalling,” said Dart. “We need to move to electronic line calling everywhere. A few points here or there can really change a match.”

Boulter rose above the noise to fight back from a set down to win a three-hour, 13-minute first round match 6-7, 6-4, 7-5.

“It was difficult. I know there was a lot going on and I was just trying to focus on myself and not get too involved in a situation,” said Boulter.

“There are some tough calls but they go both ways, they don’t just go one way. Half of tennis is keeping your cool and staying patient. I’m very, very proud of the way I handled today. I felt like I stayed calm the whole time and that’s really what won me the match.”

Heather Watson also came back from a set down to win through 4-6, 6-0, 6-4 against America’s Kayla Day.