Nottingham Open 2023: Katie Boulter to play Jodie Burrage in first all-British WTA final since 1977

Nottingham Open 2023: Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage to Compete in First All-British WTA Final in Nearly Half a Century

Rothesay Open
Location: Nottingham Tennis Centre
Dates: June 12-18
Coverage: Live coverage daily on BBC Red Button, Sport News Center website & app

In a highly anticipated showdown, Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage will face off in the final of the Nottingham Open, marking the first all-British Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) final since 1977.

Boulter secured her spot in the final after a hard-fought battle against compatriot Heather Watson, prevailing with a 6-4, 7-5 victory in a match interrupted by rain. In the other semi-final, Burrage overcame France’s Alize Cornet with a 7-5, 7-5 win.

Both Boulter and Burrage will make their maiden appearance in a WTA final, with the added stakes of vying for the British number one position.

On the men’s side of the tournament, Andy Murray triumphed over Portugal’s Nuno Borges, setting up a final clash against France’s Arthur Cazaux.

“I didn’t expect to reach this stage coming into the week, but I’m ecstatic with my performance,” expressed the 24-year-old Burrage. “Alize proved to be a tough opponent until the end. Sunday will be an incredible day, and I can’t wait. What an extraordinary tournament it has been for us.”

Cornet, a former world number 11, had showcased her skills by eliminating top seed and current world number eight Maria Sakkari of Greece in the previous round. Despite initially taking a 2-0 lead against Burrage, the Frenchwoman faced a resurgent Briton who broke her serve in the 11th game and held her own to secure the first set. The second set witnessed six service breaks in the opening eight games, but Burrage capitalized on a crucial late break to clinch the victory.

Boulter and Burrage previously crossed paths in the final of the lower-ranked ITF Tour in Canberra, Australia, where Boulter rallied from a set down to claim a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 triumph. However, their upcoming encounter on Sunday will mark the first all-British WTA final since Sue Barker defeated Virginia Wade in San Francisco, USA, on February 28, 1977.

Boulter recently ascended to the position of British number one, replacing the injured Emma Raducanu. A win on Sunday would solidify her status as the top-ranked British player when the new rankings are released on Monday. However, if Burrage emerges victorious in the Nottingham tournament, she would supplant Boulter as the new British number one.

Watson, aged 31, holds an impressive record with four WTA titles to her name. However, none of her victories have come on grass or in the United Kingdom, with her last WTA title obtained at the Mexican Open in February 2020.

In their semi-final clash, Boulter had an early missed break-point opportunity, but soon capitalized on Watson’s serve in the fifth game before a 90-minute rain delay intervened. When play resumed, Watson managed to level the first set, only to witness Boulter, armed with her powerful forehand shots, reclaim the advantage in the ninth game and ultimately close out the set. Despite Watson’s 3-0 lead in the second set, Boulter fought back, winning seven of the next nine games to secure her spot in the final.

“I’ve put in so much effort for this moment, and I won’t stop striving,” expressed the 26-year-old Boulter. “Even if it’s not my time yet, it has been an exceptional week for me, and I will continue to work hard. This victory means the world to me, especially here. It was an arduous match, and I gave it my all to come out on top. Heather is an incredible player, and I have tremendous respect for her.”

Watson, however, still has a chance to lift a trophy as she and Harriet Dart, who fell to Boulter in the singles quarter-finals, have reached the women’s doubles final. Dart and Boulter secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory against fellow Britons Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls, earning them a place in the final against the Norwegian-Estonian duo of Ulrikke Eikeri and Ingrid Neel.

Stay up to date with live scores, results, and the order of play by visiting the tournament’s official website. Receive instant tennis news updates by subscribing to alerts on your mobile device.

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More about all-British WTA final

• Nottingham Open Official Website: Link
• Women’s Tennis Association (WTA): Link
• Andy Murray’s Profile on ATP Tour: Link
• Sue Barker’s Profile on WTA: Link