Boulter enters the world top 100 rankings

TENNIS ace Katie Boulter is celebrating after breaking into the world’s top 100 for the first time in her career.

The 22-year-old from Woodhouse Eaves is now ranked 96th in the world on the back of reaching her second ever WTA quarter finals in China last week.

At the Tianjin Open, Boulter reached the last eight before she was beaten 7-5 0-6 3-6 by the number one seed Karolína Plíšková.

In earlier rounds she had beaten Barbora Krejcíková 6-3 1-6 6-3 and the number eight seed Maria Sakkari 7-6 6-3.

The victory over Greek player Sakkari comes just two months before they face each other in the Hopman Cup in Australia.

Boulter said: “Breaking into the top 100 for the first time is a really special moment and something my team, the LTA and I have worked really hard to achieve.

“I’m enjoying being able to test my game at a higher level and playing against some of the best players in the world. I’m hoping to continue this success and looking forward to the Australian Open in January.”

A spokesman for her team said: “Katie has risen over a thousand ranking places in a little over two years, a real testament to her exceptional work ethic and commitment. We look forward to supporting her as she reaches the very highest levels of women’s tennis.”

Boulter’s next event kicks off today (Wednesday) when she competes as the fourth seed in the ITF event in Suzhou against Japan’s Misaki Doi. Published by Reach Midlands Media Ltd. Printed at Midland Newspapers Ltd, Wood Lane, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9PW