Katie Boulter has advanced to the fourth WTA final of her career after a challenging match against China’s sixth seed, Yue Yuan. The British player secured her spot in the Hong Kong Open final with a score of 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. In the final, Boulter will face either Diana Shnaider from Russia, the tournament’s top seed, or Leylah Fernandez from Canada, the defending champion.

Currently ranked 29th in the world, Boulter is set to rise to at least 23rd in the next rankings update. She aims to add to her two previous titles this year, which she won at tournaments in Nottingham and San Diego. Boulter expressed her determination to finish the season on a high note, stating that achieving a career-best ranking was significant for her. “I have actually done that,” she noted, emphasizing that she has nothing to lose in the final and plans to play freely and enjoy the experience.

The match against Yuan began competitively, with Boulter winning the first set before both players exchanged breaks at the start of the second set. Yuan managed to break Boulter again late in that set, forcing a decisive third set. In this final set, Boulter increased her intensity and secured an early break with a powerful forehand winner on her fourth break point. She quickly jumped to a 3-0 lead after Yuan committed a double fault.

Boulter showcased her determination by surviving a lengthy fourth game against Yuan before ultimately closing out the match with her sixth ace. The challenge ahead will not be easy; she has never faced Shnaider, currently ranked 14th globally, and she lost her only previous match against Fernandez, who is ranked 32nd.

As anticipation builds for the final match on Sunday, Boulter’s performance suggests she is ready to compete at a high level and continue her successful year on tour.