- Katie Boulter battled to a thrilling 6-2 5-7 6-2 victory over China’s Yuan Yue
- The 28-year-old has already won titles in San Diego and Nottingham this year
- She will face Russian top seed Diana Shnaider, 20, in the final on Sunday
Katie Boulter will break into the world top 25 for the first time after reaching her third WTA Tour final of the season at the Hong Kong Tennis Open.
The British No. 1 battled to a 6-2 5-7 6-2 win over China’s Yuan Yue, guaranteeing she would climb to at least 23rd in the rankings on Monday.
Boulter has already won titles in San Diego and Nottingham this year and will hope to maintain her record of never having lost a tour-level final when she takes on Russian top seed Diana Shnaider, 20, on Sunday.
“That was an incredible match,” Boulter said in her on-field interview after wiping away a few tears.
‘She makes it so difficult. I just had to keep believing, keep fighting and try to find a way out. I’m a little grumpy today, I’m a little tired, but I found a way, so I’m very happy with that.
British number 1 Katie Boulter defeated China’s Yuan Yue to reach the final of the Hong Kong Open
Boulter is guaranteed to break into the world’s top 25 for the first time in her career
‘I’m super excited to try (in the final). I wanted to end my year on a career high, and that’s why today meant so much to me. Tomorrow I have nothing to lose and I’m just going to let loose and enjoy it.’
Boulter made the perfect start by winning four games in a row to establish a dominant lead in the first set.
She also led 3-1 in the second but mistakes started to creep in and the 28-year-old was put back before sixth seed Yuan broke serve to force a decider.
But Boulter kept swinging and was undeniable in the third set, opening a 4-0 lead and securing her first match point with an ace.