Katie Boulter lost in the semi-finals of the Japan Open, which was her first match after she regained the number one position in Britain from Sonny Kartal.
Kartal moved ahead of Boulter in the world rankings after reaching the final of the Wuhan Open last week.
However, Boulter’s run to the quarter-finals in Osaka, where she beat Antonia Ruzic, will be enough for her to once again move back above Kartal in the next ranking update.
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Boulter Falls Short: Siniakova Advances to Final
The 30-year-old missed the chance to reach the final and a shot at a fifth WTA singles title, losing 6-1, 6-4 to doubles world number one Siniakova.
Eighth seed Boulter fought back after being broken in the first set, taking an early break in the second.
But Siniakova, also 30, continued her pursuit of a first singles title in four years by securing two crucial breaks of her own to clinch the victory in 85 minutes.
Boulter Cruises Past Opponent, Faces Golubic Next
Boulter led by a set and by 3-1 in the second set when play was suspended on Monday as a result of poor weather in Osaka.
But she picked up where she left off when play resumed on Tuesday, winning 6-3 6-1 to set up a second-round meeting with Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic
Boulter on Overcoming Rain Delay: “Same Mindset, New Day
She said, “Yesterday was a tough day to finish on.I wanted to play last night and keep going, but because of the rain, that wasn’t possible.So I had to have the same mindset again today and just try to get through the match and focus on crossing the finish line.”
Eighth seed Boulter rallied after being swept aside in the opening set, going a break up at the start of the second.
Boulter will re-enter the world’s top-50
Boulter will re-enter the world’s top-50 as a result of her wins in Osaka, rising two places ahead of Kartal after her brilliant run to the Wuhan Open final last week.
Defending champion
The defending champion will meet Leylah Fernandez in Sunday’s final following the Canadian’s 6-3 7-5 win over Czech player Marie Bouzkova.
Who did Katie Boulter lose to in the Japan Open semi-finals?
Katie Boulter lost to Katerina Siniakova.
What was the score of the match?
Siniakova won 6-1, 6-4
