"I'm standing here a winner because I trusted my game": Katie Boulter shines in Queen's semi-final run after stunning Rybakina
WTASaturday, 13 June 2026 at 09:53
Like buses, two could come at once for British home hopes as Katie Boulter is into the semi-finals at Queen's and could feasibly be joined by Emma Raducanu who will likely have to play two games in a day but we could yet see an all British final.
Boulter took down Elena Rybakina in what was the biggest win of her career on Friday. She upset the Kazakh who herself is a former Wimbledon champion and is top seed 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 on what has been a bit of a fraught week full of rain and players having to play multiple games in a day to keep afloat.
The Leicester ace perhaps has it a bit easier than Raducanu though as she plays Donna Vekic on Saturday in the semi-finals and after that, she wouldn't have to feasibly touch her racquet again until Sunday. But Vekic is an experienced campaigner especially on grass where she has had her best success.
She has in years gone by come to tournaments like Nottingham and won the events and had a run to the semi-finals of Wimbledon in recent years albeit Rybakina was an ex-Wimbledon champion so it is very much one that could swing the favour of Boulter too.
Read also
From struggles to success again
World No.73 Boulter has struggled. She rose to the fore around two years ago as one of the best players in the world towards the end of that season but like Zheng Qinwen, Emma Navarro and Diana Shnaider who all had success too, all found themselves plummeting.
Injury had it's cause as Boulter had to choose between time on the shelf or playing on and she has found herself again in an inspired week. She was roared on by a passionate home support and said that it is what got her through.
"Honestly, I am not really sure what to say. I feel like this win goes to the crowd that got me through it tonight and stayed out here," Boulter said. as per BBC.
Katie Boulter competing in China
"I just tried to keep backing myself and go for it. If you don't go for it, you're going to regret the things you've worked so hard for. I'm standing here a winner because I trusted my game, I trusted my team. I'm so proud of today," Boulter added. "My first semi-final here, it's a really special one. I'm wanting more so I'm going to keep pushing and get myself ready for tomorrow."
That Brit bonanza will see Raducanu play Kamilla Rakhimova after scheduling was called into question as she didn't play despite feasibly Raducanu having a slot on another court instead of needing to play Centre Court. Instead she now has to play twice in a day if she wins and will face the fresher Iva Jovic for a spot in the final if she wins through who has been in demon form. But an all British final could still warm the cockles of British hearts.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Nick back, Serena back. Life is great 😀
AceOfBase10-06-2026 - Swiatek an underdog for the WTA race. Nuts. What happened to her. I thought she would dominatethe WTA for 10 years or so.AceOfBase10-06-2026
- I love it. Go SerenaAceOfBase10-06-2026
- Nole nailed it. Unreal to win a Grand Slam while living with diabetes.
MrAndreeva08-06-2026 - Did John or any of these analysts see how far Cobolli was sitting away from Arnaldi??? Oh my God!!! Must they find an issue with every little thing players say and do??? All viruses are not contagious! They are just speculating!! If it was contagious the doctor would have advised him to stay away from people!!!Rapunzel07-06-2026
- Lightenup Cornet, it was a jokeAceOfBase07-06-2026
- Fun opening of her speech 😁AceOfBase07-06-2026
- Come on Sascha. You got this!AceOfBase07-06-2026
- Not too difficult for Mira. Still wonder what happened to Sabalenka suddenly. She should have been in the finalAceOfBase07-06-2026
- Hope he doesSakkariFan2305-06-2026
Loading