In the Surbiton Trophy semi-finals last week, Katie Boulter suffered a defeat against the eventual champion, Yanina Wickmayer from Belgium.
Following her impressive performance in the Surbiton Trophy, Boulter has now taken over as the British number one women’s player, replacing Emma Raducanu.
At the age of 26, Boulter will be holding the top spot for the first time in her career when she competes in the Nottingham Open this week.
Raducanu, who became the British number one after her triumphant victory in the 2021 US Open, has been struggling with injuries lately.
Expressing her pride, Boulter said, “It is truly an honor to join the esteemed group of women who have previously held this historic position. However, my primary focus remains on improving my ranking and continuing to work hard. The upcoming summer promises to be exciting as the rankings are very close.”
Boulter’s successful run at Surbiton has elevated her world ranking to 126, placing her two spots and 19 points ahead of Raducanu in the latest standings. Jodie Burrage (131), Katie Swan (134), and Harriet Dart (143) are all in close pursuit.
Due to hand and ankle surgeries, Raducanu is expected to miss the summer season, including Wimbledon. These injuries also prevented her from participating in the French Open.
During last year’s Wimbledon, Boulter achieved her greatest career victory by defeating former world number one and 2021 runner-up Karolina Pliskova, advancing to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Born in Leicester, Boulter started playing tennis at the age of five and went on to represent Great Britain on eight occasions.
Her breakthrough year came in 2018 when she secured her first ITF 25k and 60k titles. She also reached her first WTA quarter-final as a wildcard entry at the Nottingham Open.
In 2019, she reached her career-high ranking of 82; however, a stress fracture in her back sidelined her for six months and disrupted her progress.
Boulter’s opening match in Nottingham on Tuesday will be against fellow countrywoman Emily Appleton. Coverage of the tournament can be accessed on BBC iPlayer, the Sport News Center website and app, as well as the BBC Red Button on a daily basis.
Discover the iconic tennis players and revolutionary figures of the 1970s and 1980s in our feature on court legends and off court revolutionaries. Also, enjoy a live performance by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds as they surprise with a Piano Room set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about British tennis
Who has replaced Emma Raducanu as the British number one women’s player?
Katie Boulter has replaced Emma Raducanu as the British number one women’s player.
What was Katie Boulter’s performance in the Surbiton Trophy?
Katie Boulter reached the semi-finals of the Surbiton Trophy, where she lost to the eventual champion, Yanina Wickmayer from Belgium.
Has Katie Boulter held the top spot before?
No, this is the first time in her career that Katie Boulter has held the top spot as the British number one women’s player.
Why did Emma Raducanu lose her position as the British number one?
Emma Raducanu lost her position as the British number one women’s player due to injuries that have hampered her since her US Open triumph in 2021.
What is Katie Boulter’s ranking in the latest standings?
After her performance in the Surbiton Trophy, Katie Boulter is ranked 126th in the world, two places and 19 points above Emma Raducanu in the latest standings.
Will Emma Raducanu be participating in the summer season, including Wimbledon?
No, Emma Raducanu is set to miss the summer season, including Wimbledon, as she underwent hand and ankle surgery, which also prevented her from participating in the French Open.
What is Katie Boulter’s next tournament?
Katie Boulter will be playing at the Nottingham Open in her first match since becoming the British number one women’s player.
What is Katie Boulter’s highest career ranking?
Katie Boulter reached her career-high ranking of 82 in 2019 before a stress fracture in her back sidelined her for six months.
Who is Katie Boulter’s first opponent in Nottingham?
Katie Boulter’s first opponent in Nottingham is fellow British player Emily Appleton.
Where can I watch the coverage of the Nottingham Open?
Coverage of the Nottingham Open can be accessed on BBC iPlayer, the Sport News Center website and app, and the BBC Red Button.
More about British tennis
- Surbiton Trophy
- Nottingham Open
- Wimbledon
- Emma Raducanu’s US Open triumph
- Katie Boulter’s WTA Profile
- BBC Sport Tennis
2 comments
wow, katie boulter becum british number 1! raducanu had injuries so she lost d spot. go katie!
I’m so proud of katie boulter, she’s making her mark in british tennis. keep going, girl! #inspiration