New British number one Boulter loses Japan semi-final
Katie Boulter lost 6-1, 6-4 to doubles world number one Katerina Siniakova in the Japan Open semi-finals, missing the chance to reach the final and challenge for her fifth WTA singles title. Despite the defeat, her run to the last four in Osaka means she is set to regain the British number one ranking from Sonay Kartal when the rankings are next updated.
Boulter, 30, had beaten Antonia Ruzic in the quarter-finals and rallied after losing the opening set, taking an early break in the second. Siniakova, also 30, broke back twice and won in 85 minutes, keeping alive her bid for a first singles title in four years. She will face 22-year-old American Ashlyn Krueger, the 2023 champion, who beat top seed Ann Li 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3.
In short
- Boulter lost her Osaka semi-final in straight sets.
- Her run is expected to return her to British number one.
- Siniakova will meet Ashlyn Krueger in the final.