Katy Boulter has once again delighted her home crowd at the Nottingham Open by successfully defending her title, making history as the first tennis player to achieve this feat at the event. The 2024 grass court season kicked off with a series of thrilling matches and surprising outcomes in both Nottingham and Hertogenbosch.

Boulter's Historic Win in Nottingham

The British tennis sensation, currently ranked 30th in the WTA, faced the experienced Karolina Pliskova, ranked 50th, in a highly anticipated final. Boulter showcased impressive resilience and skill, clinching the match with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

"It feels incredible to defend my title here in Nottingham. The support from the crowd was unbelievable, and it gave me that extra push to perform my best," Boulter commented after her victory.

This victory marks Boulter's third career final, maintaining an impeccable record of winning all three. Her prowess on grass courts continues to grow, offering a promising outlook for the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.

Samsonova Prevails in Rain-Interrupted Hertogenbosch

Over in the Netherlands, Liudmila Samsonova emerged victorious in a closely contested final against Bianca Andreescu of Canada. Samsonova, currently holding the 15th spot in the WTA rankings, overcame the challenge posed by Andreescu, ranked 228th, with a final scoreline of 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Despite the persistent rain delays that forced both players to compete in their semifinal and final matches on the same day, Samsonova's stamina and determination shone through.

"It was a mentally and physically exhausting day, but I'm thrilled to have come out on top. Playing two matches in one day is never easy, but I stayed focused and gave it my all," Samsonova said.

Bianca Andreescu, despite her lower ranking, put up a formidable fight, reaching her seventh career final. Yet, her finals record now stands at three wins and four losses, signalling room for improvement in high-stakes matches.

Rain Couldn't Dampen the Spirit

Both tournaments experienced significant rain delays, adding an extra layer of challenge for the players. However, the audience was treated to high-quality tennis, with each match brimming with excitement and tension.

As the grass court season progresses, all eyes are on these two champions to see if they can translate their recent successes into strong performances at Wimbledon. The victories in Nottingham and Hertogenbosch certainly provide a morale boost and a clear signal to their competitors.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk