By Siring Adol Caur
- Katie Boulter [2] def. Yue Yuan [6] 6-2, 5-7, 6-2
- Meets Diana Shnaider in finals
- H2H: First meeting
HONG KONG – Katie Boulter wins over Yue Yuan on her way to the final to face Diana Shnaider.
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Katie Boulter [2] def Yue Yuan [6] 6-2 5-7 6-2
The resolute Katie Boulter cruised her way to the finals as she faced the second Chinese player in the tournament, defeating Yue Yuan. A strong game was played from both the ends, and Yuan made the Brit drop her first set of the tournament. This win has guaranteed her to break into the top 25 for the first time in her career, coming Monday.
Boulter had a strong service game in the first set and broke the Chinese twice on her serve to secure an early lead in the match. It was the second set when the two came out all guns blazing as they fought for each point to the break, breaking each other’s service games twice to level the set at 3-3.With another tough break at the set point, 6-5, the British number one failed to save a break point and lost the set to the world number 45.The set lasted for a little over an hour, and the match had the remainder distance to go for the decider.
With a set apiece, the competition turned out to be more engaging. The Chinese had another mile to travel which was an opportunity missed, as Boulter dominated the two break points and took a lead at 4-0. Yuan hardly pushed in the remaining games, winning only five points in four games, giving the edge to her opponent she needed.
Katie Boulter [2] v Diana Shnaider [1] | H2H: First Meeting
| Katie Boulter [2] v Diana Shnaider [1] | H2H: First Meeting |
| WTA Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $2,890 |
| Second on Centre Court, 7:00pm (11:00am GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Next up for Boulter will be top seed Diana Shnaider.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Katie Boulter (WR 29) | Diana Shnaider (WR 14) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Debut | Debut |
| 1st Serve Return Points Won % | 34.8 | 36.3 |
| Return Points Won % | 43.1 | 44.3 |
| Break Point Conversion % | 41.4 | 46.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57.1 | 58.8 |
| Overall Service Points Won % | 51.1 | 52.1 |
These stats are similar, showing the edge these players can get over one another while they get an opportunity to. Shnaider has not had a very successful Asian swing until now, but the final against the Brit could change the records. She has lost a third of the hard court matches this year, including a quarter-final exit at the US Open and a first-round exit at the Australian Open. She has changed the gears for Hong Kong and can give a hard battle to fight for Boulter, who has paced up for the Asian swing, and would get a new highest rank next week.
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Playing Styles & Prediction
It can be a predictable win for the Brit as Shnaider is less experienced in facing the top players. Though the latter is adaptable to different surfaces, the Brit might not give her enough time to adapt and plan her game to face her.
Boulter being firm, can swing past her opponent to win the title, and add another feather to her hat. With a proactive and preplanned dominating game, she can clinch the trophy.
Prediction: Boulter in three sets.
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