HSBC Championships 2026: Katie Boulter reflects on semi-final run & British success at Queen’s
• 3 minute read
After a career-best win, a first HSBC Championships semi-final and a great start to the grass court season – there’s plenty for British No.3 Katie Boulter to be happy about with her week at Queen’s.
Boulter beat world No.2 Elena Rybakina late on Friday night in one of the matches of the tournament before returning half a day later to play Donna Vekic in the semi-final.
It proved a challenge too far, as the Croatian sealed a 6-1, 6-3 victory to advance into Sunday’s final.
Despite the loss, Boulter was in relatively high spirits, but said the quick turnaround, combined with Vekic’s strong performance, were key factors in the final result.
“She played a very good match today,” Boulter said in her post-match press conference. “I don't think many people realize how good she hits the ball. She's so clean on every stroke. She didn't really give me a look in.
“I also think my physicality wasn't enough today to stay in the rallies and do what was required. Yesterday took its toll.
“About a week and a half ago, I sat on the couch, not hitting any tennis balls, and I was exhausted and sick. I said at the very start of this tournament, I feel underprepared coming into the tournament. I didn't feel like I'd got enough reps in on the court.
“I think I've done a tremendous job, considering I played two matches yesterday, and also just got up to go again today. Obviously really quick turnaround for me. Physically, it clearly wasn't enough. I don't think there is much that we could have done better, to be completely honest.”
The British star will have been encouraged by the way she played this week, with wins over Rybakina, Jaqueline Cristian, and Leylah Fernandez.
Looking ahead to the rest of the grass court season, continuing next week at the Lexus Nottingham Open, Boulter will fancy her chances to put together more strong performances.
“One thing I know for sure is that when I feel physically great, I'm playing some of the best tennis that I have ever played, and I have to take confidence in that,” Boulter added.
“I'm currently ranked 70 in the world. I’m not supposed to make semi-finals of this tournament.
“I feel like my game is moving in the right direction. I think as long as I play the way that I'm trying to play, that's what's going to give me the confidence, not necessarily like the number of wins or the number of tournaments.
“Ultimately, my goal is to get back up to where I was and surpass that, but I need to be doing well consistently for that to happen, and they are great opportunities to do that, as long as my body is feeling good.”
It’s been a brilliant week for the British tennis players at Queen’s this week, with Boulter’s doubles partner Emma Raducanu going on to reach the final.
This was the first time two British players had reached a WTA 500 semi-final in the same week since Eastbourne in 2017 (Johanna Konta and Heather Watson).
“Someone like Emma, she's an incredible player. We all know that. I personally expect her to be at the back end of these I have high regard for her.
“I think she should be there, and I think she's a great grass court player, as well. I think she's got a great shot at winning it, obviously as long as her body is great.
“What a fantastic week for both of us so far. What a great start to the first week on grass, having two British semi-finalists.
“This is the one week in the grass season, obviously aside from Wimbledon, I really wanted to make a mark in. I love Nottingham. I love Eastbourne. Those tournaments are very close to my heart, but this was the one that I wanted this year.
“I feel like I gave it my best go, and yeah, I mean, it really just gives me the belief that I can come back here and win it one day.”
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