Boulter passes Kartal test to reach Nottingham quarters

Sonay Kartal’s defeat in an all-British tie put Katie Boulter in a strong position to clinch her third straight Nottingham Open title.

After falling behind in the decisive set, Boulter regrouped and won 6-4,1-6,5-7, making it to the quarter-finals.

Boulter, the eighth seed, called the doctor after the match because of the hot weather.

The 28-year-old said, “I am definitely proper British because I can’t handle the heat at all.”

“I’m glad I crossed the line,” I said.

After winning her first WTA Tour title in Nottingham two years ago, Boulter is now winning 12 games there.

McCartney Kessler will now face the Englishwoman to join the other four places.

When I enter this court, I feel as though I’m entering my home. Boulter remarked, “I have such positive vibes here.”

Before the match, world number 39 Boulter stated that she anticipated Kartal, who is currently 11 places in the top 10, to eventually surpass her.

Before serving the opening set, Boulter broke Kartal for a 5-4 lead before reeling off five games in a row to take the second place.

In the third set, Boulter quickly found herself in danger, and Kartal had a 5-2 lead at the break.

However, Boulter rallied, holding the serve first, then breaking as Kartal served to make a tie-break, and finally breaking again.

Sonay is a tough competitor, Boulter said, and “I have a lot of respect for her.”