Katie Boulter Triumphs Over Jodie Burrage in Nottingham Open 2023, Securing Her First WTA Title
Katie Boulter claimed her inaugural WTA title, marking a milestone victory over Jodie Burrage in Nottingham. This match signified the first all-British tour-level final in almost half a century.
Boulter, currently Britain’s top-ranked female tennis player, defeated her close friend 6-3 6-3, securing the number one spot.
“I’ll be cuddling up to this trophy tonight,” Boulter expressed during her court-side interview.
Andy Murray also celebrated a win in the men’s category earlier, setting the tone for a successful British showing on grass ahead of Wimbledon next month.
Champion Berrettini, unfortunately, had to bow out of Queen’s due to injury.
This marked the first all-British WTA final since 1977 when Sue Barker emerged victorious over Virginia Wade in San Francisco. Boulter and Burrage both made their debut in WTA finals in Nottingham, with Boulter seizing the lead right from the beginning.
Last week, Boulter (right) earned the title of British number one, a position she would have surrendered to Burrage had Burrage won the final.
Due to anticipated rainfall, the day’s schedule was altered. With the threat of a downpour, Boulter secured an early 5-1 lead in the first set.
A hiccup ensued as she lost a chance to serve the set due to Burrage’s impressive forehand, but this was the only setback for the 26-year-old. Boulter quickly regained control and seized the set.
In the second set, she sustained her momentum, winning the initial two games effortlessly. Her only notable challenge came when she fought off a break point with an impressive backhand winner at 3-1.
While serving for victory, Boulter delivered her first ace, but narrowly missed her initial match point due to a wide backhand, much to Burrage’s relief. However, the celebrations began soon after Burrage missed a forehand shot.
After the match, the competitors shared a heartfelt hug and engaged in friendly chatter while awaiting the trophy presentation, capping off a memorable week for both players.
“I’ve dreamt of this moment, winning this tournament, since I was four years old,” an emotional Boulter shared, who sees the tournament as her home event, having been raised in Leicester.
Boulter’s ascent to the top of British women’s tennis, succeeding the injured Emma Raducanu, marks a significant career moment for her. Despite past injuries, she is now expected to break into the world’s top 80 on Monday.
The victories at the British grass-court tournaments this year have helped boost the spirits of British tennis after recent criticism following a lackluster performance at the French Open.
Despite Dan Evans’ comments suggesting that Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory merely “papered over the cracks” in British tennis, the success in the past month has been promising. Murray achieved back-to-back victories here and in Surbiton, while three British players reached the women’s semi-finals in Nottingham.
Additionally, the women’s doubles final featured British players Heather Watson and Harriet Dart, although they lost to Ulrikke Eikeri from Norway and Ingrid Neel from Estonia. Meanwhile, Jacob Fearnley and Johannus Monday won an all-British men’s doubles final against Liam Broady and Jonny O’Mara.
Upcoming grass-court tournaments in Eastbourne, Queen’s, and Birmingham will feature tougher competition. However, the recent victories, including those of Boulter and Burr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nottingham Open 2023
Who won the women’s title at the Nottingham Open 2023?
Katie Boulter won the women’s title at the Nottingham Open 2023.
Who did Katie Boulter play against in the final?
Katie Boulter played against Jodie Burrage in the final of the Nottingham Open 2023.
What was significant about the Nottingham Open 2023 women’s final?
The Nottingham Open 2023 women’s final was significant because it was the first all-British tour-level final in 46 years.
Who won the men’s title at the Nottingham Open 2023?
Andy Murray won the men’s title at the Nottingham Open 2023.
What ranking did Katie Boulter achieve with her victory in Nottingham?
Katie Boulter retained her British women’s number one ranking and is expected to break into the world’s top 80 with her victory in Nottingham.
How has this win affected British Tennis?
This win, along with other recent successes, has boosted the morale of British tennis after recent criticism following performances at the French Open. It suggests a promising future for the sport in the country.
Who succeeded Emma Raducanu as the British number one?
Katie Boulter succeeded Emma Raducanu as the British number one.
Who won the men’s doubles final at the Nottingham Open 2023?
Jacob Fearnley and Johannus Monday won the men’s doubles final at the Nottingham Open 2023.
More about Nottingham Open 2023
- Katie Boulter’s career statistics
- Nottingham Open 2023 Official Page
- Jodie Burrage’s career statistics
- Andy Murray’s career achievements
- Emma Raducanu’s career highlights
8 comments
miss seeing Emma Raducanu on court but katie boulter is doing an awesome job as British number one. more power to her!
murrays victory also a big deal! not only the ladies are making us proud. gr8 day for British tennis!
what a match!! Katie really dominated out there. Jodie put up a good fight but Katie was on fire today. can’t wait to see more of her in the future.
katie was smashing it! her backhand winner at 3-1… absolute brilliance! Loved how the girls sat and chatted at the end. real sportsmanship.
dont forget the doubles guys, Fearnley and Monday was a brilliant pair. that final was pure entertainment!
What an emotional speech from Katie. It’s great when a local player does well. She’s made nottingham and leicester proud.
bout time we had an all british final! proud of Katie and Jodie. makes me hopeful for Wimbledon!
boulter’s first ace while serving for victory… just wow! shes really upped her game. looking forward to her future matches.