Boulter into Japan semi-finals and back as British No 1

Katie Boulter reclaims the British number one ranking after fighting back to beat Antonia Ruzic in three sets in the quarter-finals of the Japan Open. Katie Boulter is through to her third WTA semi-final of the 2026 season Katie Boulter has reclaimed the British number one ranking after fighting back to beat Antonia Ruzic in three sets in the quarter-finals of the Japan Open. The 30-year-old was dethroned on Monday following Sonay Kartal's run to the final in Wuhan but knew she could overturn the 55-point deficit by reaching the last four in Osaka. Eighth seed Boulter trailed world number 91 Ruzic by a set and a break but recovered to win 3-6 6-3 6-3 in two hours to reach her first semi-final since Queen's in June.

She will face Czech Katerina Siniakova in the last four and whatever the result will climb above Kartal and back into the world's top 50 when the WTA rankings are updated on Monday. "[Ruzic] is a really good player, full credit to her," said Boulter. "I tried to hang tough and find a way. I was a bit lucky in the middle of the second [set] but I feel I did really well to stay there." On facing Siniakova for a spot in the final, she added: "She's one hell of a player,