San Diego Open: Katie Boulter into first WTA 500 final with straight sets win over Emma Navarro in California

Katie Boulter is into the first WTA 500 final of her career after she upset Emma Navarro 6-3 6-1 at the San Diego Open.

The Brit needed one hour and 14 minutes to overcome the no. 3 seed, who was the remaining home favourite in California.

Boulter had previously beaten Beatriz Haddad Maia, the second seed, en route to the final, where she will face Marta Kostyuk, who herself beat Jessica Pegula, the no. 1 seed and world No. 5.

The world No. 49 Boulter dominated Navarro throughout with accurate hitting from the baseline, and won more than 87% of points on her first serve, and saved just the two break points that she faced all game.

“Today was one of those matches where everything just clicks,” Boulter said afterwards.

“I came on the court and started the first few games and I could feel the power that she had and the way she works and manoeuvres the ball. I knew I had to come up with something better.”

The Briton, who won her first Tour title at Nottingham last year, will face Kostyuk, who roared back from 5-1 down in her opening set against Pegula, in Sunday’s final.