Katie Boulter defeats Heather Watson in straight sets to reach Nottingham Open final

Katie Boulter reached the Nottingham Open final with a 6-4 7-5 victory over fellow Briton Heather Watson.

The 26-year-old Boulter’s win moves her into her first WTA final, and into the top 100 of the women’s rankings, which should be enough to earn her a wildcard entry into the upcoming event at SW19.

The match was the first all-British WTA semi-final since 1979.

Play was delayed for the pair when Boulter led 3-2 in the first set, forcing the players off court for 90 minutes, but she was not seriously hampered and was able to maintain her dominance despite her opponent’s strong service game.

Watson had led 3-0 in the second set, but Boulter reeled off seven off the next nine games for the win.

Watson sent down eight aces compared to her opponent’s five, but while Watson converted just two of seven break points, Boulter took four from seven on her way to a straight-sets victory.

“I’ve worked so hard for this and I’m just going to keep plugging away,” said Boulter. “Even if it’s not my time, it’s been a great week for me and I will keep working hard.

“It means so much to me, especially here. It was a really tough match and I just tried to put my heart on the line and managed to get through in the end.

“She [Watson] is an incredible player and I knew it would be a battle. I have so much time for her, she is an amazing girl.”

Boulter will play the winner of France’s Alize Cornet and another Brit, Jodie Burrage, on Sunday.

If Burrage wins the tournament, she will overtake Boulter as British tennis’ women’s No. 1.