Boulter powers past Golubic to reach Osaka last eight
Katie Boulter defeated Viktorija Golubic 6-2 6-1 in under an hour to reach the Japan Open quarter-finals in Osaka. After saving a break point in the opening game, Boulter won nine games in a row from 2-2 in the first set. She will play either Antonia Ruzic or Kayla Day next and is set to reclaim the British number one ranking.
Boulter, 30, needed less than 60 minutes to see off Switzerland’s Golubic in Osaka. The eighth seed trailed 2-2 in the opening set before taking nine consecutive games; Golubic finally halted that run by winning the match’s penultimate game.
Her quarter-final opponent will be either Croatia’s Ruzic or America’s Day. Although Kartal overtook her for the British No 1 spot on Monday, Boulter’s week in Japan is expected to put her back on top. She credited patience in windy conditions for helping her avoid frustration.
Boulter’s run may raise interest in British women’s tennis, especially among fans following the number-one ranking contest. A quick, confident win could draw more media attention to her and the Japan Open, potentially encouraging young players who see a British competitor succeeding abroad. It may also affect sponsorship and public profile, though the impact is likely modest and depends on how far she progresses.