Boulter fights back to reach Japan Open semi-finals and reclaim British No 1

Katie Boulter has reclaimed the British number one ranking after fighting back from a set and a break down to beat Antonia Ruzic and reach the Japan Open semi-finals in Osaka.

The eighth seed won 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in two hours on Friday, securing her first semi-final appearance since Queen’s in June. The result also puts her back above Sonay Kartal, who took the top British ranking after reaching the final in Wuhan.

Boulter said she had to “hang tough and find a way” against the world number 91. She will face Czech player Katerina Siniakova for a place in the final.

Whatever happens in that match, Boulter will rise above Kartal and return to the world’s top 50 when the rankings are updated on Monday. The 30-year-old had been 55 points behind Kartal after the Wuhan tournament.