By Siring Adol Caur
- Katie Boulter [2] def. Wang Xiyu 7-6(7) 6-4
- Meets Anastasia Zakharova in quarter-finals
- H2H: First Meeting
HONG KONG – Katie Boulter passes the Wang Xiyu challenge and faces Anastasia Zakharova in quarterfinal.
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Katie Boulter [2] def. Wang Xiyu 7-6(7) 6-4
Katie Boulter is into the quarter-finals of Hong Kong after a straight sets win over Xiyu Wang. The steadfast British number one overpowered her Chinese opponent while fighting a tough match. Although both players had strong serves in the match, the Brit served some double faults, compared to none by Wang.
Wang tried to dominate the first set as she created break points opportunities and took three games in a row. Mirroring the same, Boulter levelled it up, eventually pushing the set to a tie-break. The two kept thrusting to edge past and get a set-point, only for Boulter winning the second set after each of them failed to convert one each earlier.
With a lead in hand, Boulter kept the drive going, as she attacked Wang’s service game and broke her service game with a double break. It was too soon to take the advantage forward, that the Chinese broke back after saving three break points in a game and equalling at 4-4. The next two games were fuelled by the second seed, helping her win two games in a row and hence, the match.
Katie Boulter [2] v Anastasia Zakharova | H2H: First Meeting
| Katie Boulter [2] v Anastasia Zakharova | H2H: First Meeting |
| WTA Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $2,890 |
| Second on Centre Court, not before 3:30pm (7:30am GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Next up for Boulter in the quarter-finals will be Anastasia Zakharova.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Katie Boulter (WR 29) | Anastasia Zakharova (WR 113) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Debut | Debut |
| 1st Serve Return Points Won % | 34.8 | 37.7 |
| Return Points Won % | 43.1 | 44.5 |
| Break Point Conversion % | 41.4 | 44.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57.1 | 56.7 |
| Overall Service Points Won % | 59.5 | 53.6 |
These stats are closely similar, but paint a very different picture. The reason being Zakharova has played only 4 matches in major slams this year, and this is her third tournament of the year. She has played other W100s and has been consistent in the latter half of the year. Boulter has picked up pace and has been progressing in the second part of the hard season this year. With close to zero experience against top players, Zakharova could easily be dominated by Boulter.
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Playing Styles & Prediction
It can be a predictable win for the Brit as Zakharova is inexperienced and plays a baseline game, which might give the former an advantage to tackle and push for long rallies. The latter’s backhand and strong groundstrokes can help her fight through the match.
The second innings of the hard court season has been bright for Boulter as she is focused and assertive of her performance, while she has improved her game with agility and varied shots. She can easily sail through this one
Prediction: Boulter in two sets.
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