Katie Boulter, the British tennis star, triumphed over Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in a thrilling three-set comeback in the final of the San Diego Open on Sunday night. The victory marks Boulter’s second career WTA singles title and her biggest to date.
The match, delayed by two hours due to rain, saw Boulter rally from a set down to claim a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 victory. The 27-year-old from Leicester displayed resilience and determination throughout the encounter, overcoming a 5-2 deficit in the first set and never trailing in the final two sets.
Boulter’s triumph is a testament to her impressive form this week, as she defeated four seeded players in her five matches. She overcame No. 2 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, No. 6 seed Donna Vekic, and No. 3 seed Emma Navarro en route to the final.
The victory also marks a significant milestone in Boulter’s career, as she is set to crack the world’s Top 30 for the first time on Monday. She will rise to a career-best No. 27, 21 spots higher than her previous best.
Boulter’s success in San Diego is a culmination of a successful week for one of tennis’ power couples. Her boyfriend, Alex de Minaur, won his own 500-level title in Acapulco, Mexico, less than 12 hours before Boulter’s victory.
In the post-match presentation, Boulter expressed her gratitude to the San Diego crowd and her boyfriend for their support. She also acknowledged the challenging conditions, which included rain delays and a late finish.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Boulter said. “From the moment I walked into this club, you guys have been so warm and so helpful, and it’s been honestly a privilege to be here in San Diego.”
“I really didn’t think I’d be standing here with a trophy right now, but I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s been here and made it feel like home. Even the weather has made it feel a little bit like home.”
Boulter’s victory is a testament to her talent and determination. She has overcome injuries and setbacks in her career, and her success in San Diego is a reward for her hard work and perseverance.
