Claire Liu secured a significant victory at the 2026 Hong Kong Open on الأربعاء, eliminating eighth seed Katie Boulter in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, to advance to the quarterfinals. The triumph marked a notable moment in Liu’s WTA career and brought an end to Boulter’s season, as the British No. 1 had designated this event as her final tournament of the year.
Claire Liu Shocks Katie Boulter in Straight Sets
Meeting for the first time on the professional circuit, the 26-year-old Californian demonstrated impressive composure and control, dictating play largely from her service games. Liu delivered six aces without committing a double fault, and capitalized on three out of four break-point opportunities. In contrast, Boulter struggled to find rhythm, failing to serve any aces and committing three double faults throughout the two sets.
Ranked No. 102, Liu’s performance echoed the potential she showed early in her career, including her 2017 Wimbledon junior title. Her confidence was boosted by a strong run to the quarterfinals in Guangzhou just the previous week, which set the stage for her breakthrough in Hong Kong.
For Boulter, the loss halts a late-season surge that had included a semifinal appearance in Osaka and a reestablishment as England’s top female tennis player. She had previously reached the Hong Kong Open final in 2024 but now must look ahead to the 2027 season.
Looking forward, Liu is set to face Zeynep Sönmez in the quarterfinals on Friday, aiming to build on her momentum and make a deeper run in the tournament.