Ruthless Boulter sends GB into BJK Cup semi-finals

Great Britain vs. Japan: Billie Jean King Cup 2025

Location: Shenzhen, China

With a 2-0 victory over Japan, ruthless Katie Boulter secured Great Britain’s spot in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals.

In the second singles match, Boulter defeated Moyuka Uchijima 6-2 6-1, the nation’s top singles player in Shenzhen in the absence of Emma Raducanu.

Ena Shibahara’s 6-3 7-6 (7-4) victory by Sonay Kartal had already given Anne Keothavong’s side the perfect start.

After falling in the final four times before, Great Britain will now face the United States on Saturday in an effort to resurrect their hopes of winning the women’s team tournament.

According to Boulter, “Sonay put in a clinical performance out there,” making it “very easy to follow.”

“We showed a lot of heart during the qualifying period earlier this year.” Another chance at a championship game.

Boulter never looked particularly vulnerable against Uchijima, who won 70% of first-serve points throughout.

Boulter reeled off the next three games to take the first set after the opening game’s fifth break.

With a break at the start of the second set, Boulter kept that momentum going, always featuring Uchijima in her aggressive play.

Since making her Wimbledon debut earlier this year, world number 82 Kartal has won all three of her BJK Cup matches. She reached the fourth round for the first time this summer.

Kartal won back-to-back breaks to lead Shibahara, but Kartal was unshakeable and in charge right away.

Shibahara initially appeared anxious, but when she won eight points in a row to reclaim her 4-3 lead, she quickly shifted her focus.

However, Kartal put a restraint behind her, putting an end to Shibahara’s run with a love that once more stung her rival. Kartal took advantage of the Japanese’s opening set by making errors in the service game.

Kartal had to dig deep to avoid a 4-4 break-point chance in the second set, which was much closer.

Kartal won the tie-break with a victory on her second match point despite being unable to break the obstinate Shibahara’s serve.

I knew it would not be easy in the slightest because their [Japan’s] entire team is extremely tough, Karatal said.