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Katie Boulter climbs into world top 25 despite losing final in Hong Kong

Umito November 3, 2024

Katie Boulter suffered a crushing 6-1, 6-2 defeat against Russian Diana Shnaider in the final of the Hong Kong Open.

Boulter climbed into the world top 25 for the first time after reaching her third WTA Tour final of the season, but was no match for her inspired opponent.

The 20-year-old top seed Shnaider, who was outside the world top 100 last January, fought her way to a fourth title of the season, racking up a catalog of flawless winners against the error-prone Briton.

Boulter lost a final at tour level for the first time after winning titles in San Diego and Nottingham this year and she spoke of a hugely successful season.

She said: “Firstly I would like to congratulate Diana on her victory, what an incredible week, what an incredible season, you deserve every minute of it. I’m very happy, but you absolutely killed me today. I’ll get you next time!

“I have to say a huge thank you to my team, half of you are here, half of you are on TV. You push me every day to try to be better and I’m sure I can bounce back from this one, but what a season we’ve had, thank you.

Katie Boulter couldn't compete with her opponent in the Hong Kong Open final — Katie Boulter couldn’t compete with her opponent in the Hong Kong Open final (AFP via Getty Images)

Diana Shnaider deservedly won her fourth title of the season (AFP via Getty Images)

Boulter lost her first service game of the match to quickly fall behind 2-0 and was broken twice more in the first set, which Shnaider completed in 37 minutes.

The British number 1 showed little concentration during her semi-final victory over China’s Yuan Yue, which ensured she climbed to 23rd in the rankings on Monday.

Second seed Boulter made only 59 percent of his first serves in the first set, committing 10 unforced errors and there was little improvement in the second as Shnaider maintained his dominance.

Shnaider, who started the day as world number 14, broke Boulter twice to take a 4-0 lead. Boulter held his serve in the fifth game to avoid a bagel in the second set and made it 5-2 after holding again, but left-hander Shnaider then served for the victory in an hour and 11 minutes.