Unseeded Katie Boulter tops Marta Kostyuk to win San Diego Open،
SAN DIEGO — Unseeded Englishwoman Katie Boulter capped a series of upsets to win the San Diego Open singles title with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 victory over the Ukrainian Sixth seed Marta Kostyuk on Sunday.
A 10-year tour veteran, Boulter, 27, won her second professional singles title with her fifth straight victory against higher-ranked players at the week-long WTA 500 event.
“I can’t stop smiling,” Boulter said. “I’ve wanted this my whole career and now I have to move my goals and keep going.”
As darkness fell early in the match – delayed twice by intermittent showers – both players appeared to struggle to adjust to the unseasonably cool, windy and drizzly conditions with temperatures in the mid-50s.
In her debut at the San Diego Open, Boulter shook off a wave of unforced errors early in the first set, initially troubled by Kostyuk's speed and athleticism. But showing signs of resilience that would later stand him in good stead, Boulter overcame five set points before sending an errant forehand over the baseline to fall 7-5.
Undeterred, Boulter found his rhythm en route to victory in the second set, marked by furious backcourt exchanges.
About 30 minutes later, Boulter was serving for the match at 5-2 when she hit a crosscourt forehand just out of Kostyuk's reach to give her the title.
“I don't even know where to start, I'm so happy,” said Boulter, who is 6-1 against top-seeded opponents this year. “When I got here, I really didn't think I would hold this trophy. Everyone here has been so warm and welcoming to me.”
Referring to her 21-year-old opponent, Boulter added: “You are so young and so talented, Marta. I know your time will come.”
Kostyuk paid tribute to his family in Ukraine after the match.
“I don’t want to make this too sad, but first of all, I want to say hello to my family in Ukraine,” she said. “It’s been a tough time for them and I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but no one wants to win more than me.”
Boulder, who said the cool conditions made her feel at home, received a ceremonial surfboard — a nod to the event's proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
“Sorry, I didn’t get the surfboard this year,” Kostyuk said. “But maybe I’ll get one next year.”
Held at the Barnes Tennis Center, the San Diego Open is a WTA Tour 500 event with a total purse of $922,573, presented by Cymbiotika.
