Quick Read
- Katie Boulter reached the Ostrava Open final.
- She defeated Katie Volynets in straight sets in the semi-final.
- This is her first WTA final since the Hong Kong Open in 2024.
- Boulter and Emma Raducanu set a British record for two players in different WTA singles finals in the same week.
- Boulter will face Tamara Korpatsch in the Ostrava Open final.
OSTRAVA (Azat TV) – British tennis star Katie Boulter has advanced to the final of the Ostrava Open, marking her first WTA-level final appearance in nearly two years. Her compelling run to the championship match, coupled with Emma Raducanu’s simultaneous qualification for the Transylvania Open final, has set a historic precedent for British tennis, as it is the first time two British players have reached two different WTA singles finals in the same week. This achievement signals a significant turnaround for Boulter after a challenging 2025 season.
Katie Boulter’s Resurgent Run to the Ostrava Final
Katie Boulter secured her spot in the Ostrava Open final by defeating American opponent Katie Volynets in straight sets. The 29-year-old Briton delivered an inspired performance, showing remarkable composure and powerful ball striking that left Volynets with few answers. This final appearance is a significant milestone for Boulter, her first since competing in the Hong Kong Open in 2024.
Speaking after her semi-final victory, Boulter expressed her delight with her performance, acknowledging a slight dissatisfaction at not converting her first match point but overall stating she was ‘really pleased.’ She also highlighted her pride in her serve, a component of her game that she admitted had let her down in the previous year. Her staunch defense against being broken in the second set, particularly through strong serving, proved crucial in maintaining momentum and securing the win.
A Historic Week for British Tennis
Boulter’s achievement in Ostrava coincides with Emma Raducanu reaching the final of the Transylvania Open in Romania. This dual success marks a historic moment for British tennis, being the first instance of two British players competing in two separate WTA singles finals in the same week. Raducanu, who is playing without a coach in Romania, overcame Greet Minnen, Kaja Juvan, Maja Chwalińska, and Oleksandra Oliynykova to reach her first WTA-level final since her 2021 US Open triumph.
The positive momentum for British tennis extends beyond these two stars. Jack Draper recently marked his return to tennis with a victory, contributing to Great Britain’s advancement in the Davis Cup by toppling Norway. Additionally, Sonay Kartal reached the quarter-finals of the Abu Dhabi Open, further underscoring a strong week for British talent on the global stage.
Overcoming a Challenging Season
Boulter’s journey to the Ostrava final is particularly notable given her struggles in 2025. After reaching a career-high ranking of 23rd in November 2024, her ranking plummeted to 100th by the time of the Australian Open last month, requiring an eleventh-hour entry into the main draw. Her current form represents a significant turnaround, suggesting she has successfully navigated the difficulties of her previous campaign.
Her victory over Volynets showcased a renewed confidence and a powerful game, with heavy ball striking from both wings. Her ability to rely on her serve in critical moments, as she noted in her post-match interview, indicates a key improvement that is helping her challenge top-tier opponents once again. This renewed form has reignited hopes for her career trajectory, with a title win potentially solidifying her return to the sport’s upper echelons.
The Path Ahead: Boulter Faces Korpatsch
In the Ostrava Open final, Katie Boulter is set to face Tamara Korpatsch. Boulter enters the match as the higher-ranked player, sitting one place above Korpatsch in the WTA rankings. Korpatsch has had a more modest career on the WTA Tour, having won only one WTA Tour-level tournament, which occurred at the Transylvania Open in 2023. Boulter, by contrast, is seeking her third WTA Tour-level title, having previously won the Nottingham Open twice and the San Diego Open.
The renewed form displayed by Katie Boulter, culminating in her Ostrava final berth, not only underscores her resilience in overcoming a difficult period but also highlights a promising moment for British tennis. Her ability to regain confidence and execute a high-level game, particularly with her serve, suggests a potential return to the top echelons of the sport. This collective success, especially alongside Raducanu, could foster a new wave of competitiveness and visibility for British players on the international circuit.