British No.1 Katie Boulter will enter the world’s top 25 on Monday for the first time in her career after reaching the final of the Hong Kong Open on Saturday.
Boulter, the second seed, beat China’s Yuan Yue 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to reach her third title match on the WTA Tour this season. She also did so at events in San Diego and Nottingham, which she both won. In her latest match, Boulter won 68% of her first service points and broke Yuan six times.
“That was an unbelievable match, she [Yuan] makes it so hard to win any point at any point in the match,” Boulter said. “I just had to keep believing, keep fighting, and try to find a way through. I’m a little grumpy today and a little tired but I managed to find a way so I’m really happy with that.”
“I’m super excited just to have a go [in the final]. I just wanted to finish my year on a career-high, which is why today meant so much to me. I’ve actually done that, so I’ve got nothing to lose tomorrow. I’m just going to swing free and enjoy it for me.”
The 28-year-old has only dropped one set in the tournament so far. She has also scored wins over Aoi Ito, Xiyu Wang and Anastasia Zakharova. It is the first time a British player has reached the final in Hong Kong.
Standing in Boulter’s way of the title is Russian top seed Diana Shnaider who swept aside defending champion Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-2, in her semi-final match. Shnaider has already won three WTA titles this season and reached the fourth round of the US Open, which is her best Grand Slam performance so far.
It will be a tough challenge for Boulter who is hoping to count on the support she has been receiving from local fans.
“I’d be here forever if I was going to thank each and every one of you, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart: you’ve been getting me through this week,” she said.
“If you can keep bringing some noise, I know you’ve got home favorites that won last year and Shnaider as well, both incredible players, but thank you so much for coming out and supporting such an amazing tournament and me as well.”
Boulter is currently projected to rise to 23rd in the WTA rankings on Monday. This time last year she was 55th.
