Katie Boulter lost her chance to win her third title after being defeated by Sofia Kenin in straight sets in the Japan Open semi-finals.
Boulter, who is currently ranked No. 33 in the world, will still enter the top 30 despite losing to the former Australian Open champion with a performance record of 6-4 6-4 in 90 minutes.
Highlights of the match
In the first set, British Boulter’s serve was broken twice, but she recovered one time when the American wildcard serve ended the set. However, the momentum swing was only temporary as Kenin made her score.
Boulter fought back in the second set, putting more pressure on her opponent at 3-3 and attempting four break-points but failing to convert any of them. Kenin broke in the nex game to take a 4-3 lead and served it out to go to the final.
Despite losing in the semi-finals, Boulter can still look back on her Japan Open experience with pride as she arrived in Tokyo without consecutive wins since the Toronto Masters in August.
After winning just three games in eight tournaments since Wimbledon began and with a dismal 37.5% win/loss percentage for the 2024 season, Kenin views her success in Tokyo as a welcome return to form.
Source: Eurosport