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Katie BOULTER .2

Katie Boulter looking to learn from Surbiton semi-final loss

Katie Boulter hopes to take key learnings from her semi-final exit at the LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy.

On the brink of becoming British number one, Boulter – who is supported by the LTA’s Pro Access Programme – bowed out of the West London tournament with a 6-3 6-2 defeat to 2009 US Open semi-finalist Yanina Wickmayer.

The Leicester player pledged to harbour the positives from defeat to the former world no.12.

“Yanina played exceptionally well and she was really smart,” said Boulter.

“Obviously we have played two times before so she knew what to expect, there was no element of surprise.

“She has been world No.12, she knows how to play tennis.

“I felt like I was a tiny bit off today with a few things which I have got to get back to the drawing board and work hard on.”

Boulter’s close friend Kaie Swan started the week as British No.5 but could end it as British No.1 if she defeats the Belgian in the final on Sunday.

Swan has been in sensational form at the LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy and was superb as she beat British No.7 Lily Yuriko Miyazaki to reach the final.

She stormed to an emphatic 6-1 6-0 victory over her compatriot.

Boulter believes Swan does not need any advice ahead of tomorrow’s final against Wickmayer and backed her to lift the trophy.

“I think ultimately we all want to be playing finals, a British final would have been even better,” said Boulter.

“I wish all the girls the best of luck, I want us all to be getting better and better and pushing ourselves and I want Katie to go and win that title tomorrow.

“Yanina played exceptionally well and she was really smart.”

She continued: “I don’t have any advice for Katie, I think she is playing great.

“She is well established on the grass and I just hope that she keeps swinging because she is playing really well

“She can beat a lot of players, and I have a lot of faith in her so I think she is going to go out there and do really well.”

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

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