Unstoppable Streak: Katie Boulter Secures 12th Consecutive Nottingham Open Victory with Commanding Win Over Sonay Kartal…Read More…
British tennis sensation Katie Boulter extended her dominance at the Nottingham Open on Tuesday, notching her 12th consecutive win at the tournament with a confident and composed performance against fellow Briton Sonay Kartal. In front of a home crowd that buzzed with anticipation and pride, Boulter dispatched Kartal 6-4, 6-3 to move into the quarterfinals, reinforcing her claim as the Queen of Nottingham.
This latest victory not only showcases Boulter’s red-hot form but also cements her position as a formidable force on grass, her favored surface. The British No. 2 looked every bit the experienced campaigner as she outmaneuvered her compatriot with a blend of aggressive baseline play, strong serving, and calm under pressure.
A Rivalry of Respect
Facing off against Sonay Kartal, a rising star in British tennis and a player known for her court craft and fighting spirit, Boulter knew she was in for a tactical battle. However, the 27-year-old from Leicester approached the match with poise, using her power game to dictate rallies and neutralize Kartal’s attempts to extend points.
The first set was a tight affair, with both players holding serve for the first eight games. Boulter’s decisive break came at 4-4 when she capitalized on a couple of loose groundstrokes from Kartal and fired a blistering backhand return winner down the line to convert break point. She then served out the set with an ace, much to the delight of the supportive Nottingham crowd.
Kartal, 22, showed flashes of brilliance throughout the match, particularly in her net play and ability to mix up pace. Yet Boulter’s experience and powerful groundstrokes consistently found their mark. In the second set, Boulter broke early and never looked back, holding her nerve and serve to close out the match in straight sets.
“This Place Is Home” – Boulter Reflects
Speaking after the match, Boulter was glowing with satisfaction and gratitude.
“This place is incredibly special to me,” she said in her on-court interview. “The crowd lifts me every time I step onto this court. I feel like I’m playing at home—and that energy gives me the extra push when I need it.”
Indeed, Boulter has built an impressive record at the Nottingham Open, where she is the defending champion. She won the tournament in 2023 and 2024 and is now bidding for a historic third consecutive title. Her latest victory brings her overall record at the tournament to 14-1 across the last three editions.
“It’s not just about winning,” Boulter added. “It’s about consistency, improving my game year after year, and being able to show up and perform in front of my family and fans. That’s what drives me.”
Grass-Court Queen in the Making
With Wimbledon looming just weeks away, Boulter’s form could not have come at a better time. Grass has long been her surface of choice, and she has made steady progress in fine-tuning her game for the unique demands of it. Her powerful serve, low-bouncing flat groundstrokes, and growing confidence at the net have all contributed to her success on the green.
British tennis fans are hopeful that her performance in Nottingham is a precursor to a deep run at the All England Club, where she reached the third round in 2022 and 2023.
Former British No. 1 and current BBC analyst Johanna Konta praised Boulter’s form and mental strength.
“Katie’s really matured as a player,” Konta remarked. “Her confidence is evident, and what’s even more impressive is her composure. She’s not getting rattled by tough moments, and that’s a sign of someone who’s ready for big stages.”
What’s Next: A Path to the Title
Boulter’s next opponent will be Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko, an experienced tour veteran who has previously reached the second week of Wimbledon. The matchup promises a test of styles—Boulter’s brute force against Tsurenko’s strategic baseline play. But given Boulter’s momentum and her love affair with the Nottingham courts, she will enter the contest as a strong favorite.
Meanwhile, Sonay Kartal, despite the loss, remains optimistic about her progress.
“It’s always tough facing Katie—she’s a great player and has been so consistent here,” Kartal said post-match. “But I take a lot of positives from how I played today. I’ve still got a long summer ahead and a lot to work on.”
British Tennis on the Rise
The all-British matchup between Boulter and Kartal also highlights the growing strength in depth of British women’s tennis. With the likes of Emma Raducanu making a comeback, Jodie Burrage gaining traction, and young prospects like Kartal pushing upward, the future looks bright for the WTA representation from the UK.
LTA officials have emphasized the importance of home-grown tournaments like Nottingham in giving British players a platform to compete, gain confidence, and perform in front of home fans.
“Katie is a perfect example of what these tournaments can do for a player’s development,” said Michael Bourne, LTA’s Performance Director. “She’s taken every opportunity and built something special here.”
The Road Ahead
With her 12th straight Nottingham victory in the books, Boulter is now within striking distance of a three-peat—a rare feat in the tournament’s history. As she eyes more silverware and a potential seeding boost ahead of Wimbledon, her form, focus, and familiarity with the turf suggest she’s just getting started.
“I’m taking it one match at a time,” Boulter concluded. “But I’m hungry, I’m healthy, and I’m playing my best tennis. That’s all I can ask for right now.”
For now, the grass is indeed greener for Katie Boulter—especially in Nottingham, her undisputed fortress. With each step deeper into the draw, she is not only chasing another title but also shaping a legacy that could inspire a new generation of British talent.
Match Stats:
- Katie Boulter def. Sonay Kartal: 6-4, 6-3
- Aces: Boulter 6, Kartal 2
- Break Points Won: Boulter 3/6, Kartal 1/3
- Winners: Boulter 28, Kartal 17
- Unforced Errors: Boulter 14, Kartal 21
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