Boulter beats Watson to reach first WTA final

Katie Boulter surged into her first WTA final with a memorable victory over Heather Watson at the LTA's Rothesay Open Nottingham. The Leicester player edged out Watson 6-4 7-5 in a historic final four clash, the first time in 44 years that two Brits have met in a WTA semi-final. Ad British No.1 Boulter is enjoying a career-best week in the East Midlands and will face compatriot Jodie Burrage in Sunday's final.

TennisBurrage surpasses expectation with run to Nottingham final35 MINUTES AGO «It means so much, especially to do it here,» said Boulter, a graduate of the LTA's Pro Scholarship Scheme. «It was a really tough match, I just tried to put my heart on the line and I managed to get through it in the end. »I've worked so hard for this.

I'm going to keep plugging away, even if this isn't my moment that's fine, it's been a great week for me. I'm going to keep working hard." Boulter started brightly and was a break up at 3-2 when the gloom descended, with rain suspending play for well in excess of an hour. Watson broke back on the resumption but Boulter quickly returned the favour to claim the first set.

Watson dictated terms in the second, capitalising on a strong service game that saw her hit eight aces, twice as many as Boulter. But Boulter made a vital breakthrough at 5-5 and held on to secure a hard-fought victory in an hour and 55 minutes at her home tournament, after which she paid tribute to her opponent's level. «Heather's an incredible player,» said Boulter.

«I knew it would be a brutal match again. »I've got so much time for her. She's an amazing girl, she deserved it just as much as I did.