Katie Boulter: Brit reaches Hong Kong Open final with win over Yue Yuan – ‘I'm just going to swing free’

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British No. 1 Katie Boulter has the chance to win a third title of the season and finish 2024 on a high following victory in her Hong Kong Open semi-final against Yue Yuan. The win moves Boulter up to a new career high ranking of 23rd in the world, and the Brit said she would "swing free" in the final having ticked off her major aim for the Asian hard-court swing of climbing the WTA Tour rankings.

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Katie Boulter said she is "super excited" that she will cap off her remarkable 2024 campaign on a "career high", after defeating Yue Yuan on Saturday to reach the Hong Kong Open final.

Boulter could scoop her third title of the campaign in Sunday's final, but regardless of the result, the British No. 1 can go into the off-season thrilled with her progress, having now moved to a career high of 23rd in the world, and she said she would "swing free" having fulfilled that goal.

The British No. 1 triumphed 6-2 5-7 6-2 over China's Yuan, who she defeated in the Australian Open earlier this year, in a closely-fought contest.

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"That was an unbelievable match, she [Yuan] makes it so hard to win any point at any point in the match," Boulter said. "I just had to keep believing, keep fighting, and try to find a way through. I'm a little grumpy today and a little tired but I managed to find a way so I'm really happy with that.

"I'm super excited just to have a go [in the final]. I just wanted to finish my year on a career high, which is why today meant so much to me. I've actually done that, so I've got nothing to lose tomorrow. I'm just going to swing free and enjoy it for me."

Boulter will face the winner of Saturday's second semi-final between top seed Diana Shnaider and third seed and former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez.

"Both incredible players, both have had an amazing season, it's going to be a really high quality match," the Brit added.

After wins in the San Diego and Nottingham finals earlier this year - the latter completing a successful title defence - Boulter has the opportunity to cap off her stand-out year with a fourth career title.

She reached the final the hard way, needing two hours and 34 minutes to see off Yuan, who claimed a marathon hour-long second set to force a decider.

Katie Boulter of Great Britain hits the ball during day 3 of Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2024

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But Boulter raced to a 5-1 lead in the decider and, although Yuan dug deep to force the Brit to serve out, there was little chance of a fight-back. A wildly skewed forehand from Yuan set up match point for Boulter, and she held her nerve - clinching victory with an ace.

It was a cleaner display from Boulter, who hit more winners and fewer unforced errors throughout the contest, and was warmly applauded by the Hong Kong fans, among whom she has proved popular.

"I'd be here forever if I was going to thank each and every one of you, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart: you've been getting me through this week," she said.

"If you can keep bringing some noise, I know you've got home favourites that won last year and Schnaider as well, both incredible players, but thank you so much for coming out and supporting such an amazing tournament and me as well."

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