Katie Boulter thrilled with British success at Surbiton

By Jonny Bray at Surbiton

Katie Boulter wants to see British women maintain the momentum for the entire grass-court season after a record-equalling four players reached the quarterfinals of the LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy.

Isabelle Lacy, Katie Swan, Lily Yuriko Miyazaki, and the British No.3 progressed, meaning there will be four women in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2017 when Naomi Broady, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, and Katy Dunne reached the same stage.

Boulter came out on top against wildcard Sonay Kartal, showing immense heart to battle back from a set down and record a sensational 6-3 3-6 4-6 triumph over the British No.8.

And after a historic day in West London Boulter believes that the Brits can go from strength to strength.

"They are all playing well on one of the best surfaces in the world and I really hope we can keep this going," said the Leicester player.

"I really believe that we can week in and week out.

"I think it is what we should be focussing on.

"I am so happy to see all these girls doing super well.

"These are the wins that mean the most to me, because ultimately I found a way in tricky conditions."

British No.5 Swan was on the verge of winning the first set of her Round of 16 clash with Océane Dodin before her French rival retired.

16-year-old Lacy's fairytale run in the tournament continued following the withdrawal of the USA's Sachia Vickery.

Miyazaki then recorded a convincing 6-4 7-5 triumph over her long-term friend Eden Silva before Boulter made history on Court 1.

And it could have gotten even better.

A win for Harriet Dart against Maria would have meant five British women in the quarterfinals for the first time, but despite battling hard she lost 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4 to the top seed.

History had been made before Boulter and Kartal took to the court, with the Battle of the Brits meaning four British women were already in the quarters.

And Boulter was full of praise for her opponent after a thriller in the sun.

She added: "She is a really tough player, so credit to her for playing really well.

"Yeah, it was a great match, I think today was brutal if I am honest.

"I think it was the first time in a long while or a good month where I have been playing a lot of matches and I didn't feel 100% comfortable over the ball at the very start of the match.

"But then I felt like I really got into it, fought really hard and I got the win today."

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website