Katie Boulter admits she was on 'another planet' before reaching Hong Kong Open semi-finals

British No. 1 Katie Boulter maintained her outstanding end to the season with a straight-sets victory over Anastasia Zakharova to reach the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open. The British No. 1 will now go head-to-head with China's Yuan Yue, who she defeated at the 2024 Australian Open. Boulter admitted after the match that she expects a tough test in the next stage of the tournament.

Katie Boulter progressed to the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open with an emphatic 6-4 6-0 victory over Anastasia Zakharova, despite admitting she felt "on another planet" during a tight first set.

The British No. 1 will next face Yuan Yue, who she defeated at the Australian Open in January, as she bids for a third WTA singles title.

Boulter said she grew into the contest against world No. 113 Zakharova after a back-and-forth start.

Billie Jean King Cup

Raducanu out of GB squad as Boulter named captain

31/07/2026 at 14:49

"The first set, I don't know, I think I was on another planet for a minute there," she said.

"I was not really sure where I was. She played some really good tennis, I felt like at 5-4 I started to pick myself up a bit more and tried to get myself moving.

"I played some really good stuff after that.

"I felt like I was pretty free and relaxed on the court and I hit some good shots."

The first nine games went on serve, although Boulter was forced to save two break points in the seventh game.

Boulter got the breakthrough at 5-4 to take the opening set and followed that up by winning one of the best rallies of her season to break her opponent again in the second.

She secured back-to-back semi-finals in sensational style, breaking her opponent for a fourth time to win the second set 6-0.

Highlights as Humbert stuns Alcaraz at Paris Masters

Video credit: SNTV

• 'Hell of a competitor' - Draper's Paris Masters run ended by De Minaur comeback
• ‘You shouldn’t retire’ - Rune urges Nadal to continue career after Six Kings Slam showing
• 'I am not able to compete' - Sinner withdraws from Paris Masters due to virus

Boulter expects another tough battle against Yuan.

"That was an absolute battle [their clash at the Australian Open], I remember that match a lot actually," she added.

"One of my first at the 2024 Australian Open and I felt like we played a really good match, both of us.

"There was not really much in it, so I know tomorrow is going to be really tough.

"She has been playing some really good stuff this week, I have been watching some of her matches.

"I'm sure she has watched a lot of mine, so we know each other very well.

"It is the end of the season, I am still smiling, I am still here having fun, so I have just got to enjoy it.

"I am sure the better player will win on the day."

---

Stream top tennis action live and on-demand on discovery+

Roland-Garros Women's Singles -

French Open stars react to potential Serena comeback news with heartfelt tributes to legend

29/05/2026 at 12:36

Roland-Garros Women's Singles -

French Open Day 5 Order of Play: How to watch Sabalenka and Sinner in action

27/05/2026 at 15:28