Katie Boulter into biggest semi-final of career to set up highest ranking
Kate Boulter is through to a first WTA 500 semi-final after beating Croatia’s Donna Vekic in straight sets at the San Diego Open.
The British number one followed up her win over second seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in the last 16 by knocking out the 2022 runner-up 6-4 6-3.
From trailing 3-1 in the first set, Boulter won nine of the next 10 games in another confident display.
She will climb to a career-high ranking, on the brink of the top 40, following her latest victory.
Vecic, seeded seventh, broke first in the opening set but then allowed Boulter to hit straight back after an error-strewn service game.
Boulter then saved three break points to hold and grabbed a crucial second break for 5-4 before serving out the set.
Two stunning Boulter backhands brought the 27-year-old from Leicester another break at the start of the second, and a subsequent break to love put her in complete control.
