Katie Boulter has spoken out for the first time after her sudden retirement from the Hong Kong Open. The British No. 4 was trailing Alexandra Eala 6-4 2-1 in their first-round match on Tuesday when she called the physio to the court. Boulter suddenly burst into tears and decided she was no longer able to continue, packing up and leaving the court.
The world No. 79 finished runner-up in Hong Kong last year, and her ranking will take a big hit after she retired in round one. Boulter is now on the verge of dropping out of the top 100 and could just miss out on the main draw cut for the Australian Open.
Taking to Instagram, Boulter revealed that she had been playing through injuries throughout the Asian swing, and thanked tournament staff in Hong Kong for taking care of her.
“Been a little quiet over here. Being honest the past couple weeks have been rough. I’ve loved my time in Asia, but playing through injuries is draining,” the Brit wrote.
“Just keeping it real, it’s been a lot. But I’m a big big believer that everything happens for a reason. So I will keep trusting.
“Time to slow down, recharge. Huge love to the ones who check in, and keep me smiling. Big thank you to @hk_tennisopen for going the extra mile and looking after me this week.”
It’s been a tough season for Boulter, who started the year ranked inside the world’s top 25 and pushed Iga Swiatek in a tight three-setter at the United Cup in January. She soon picked up a foot injury that left her sidelined for two months, and Boulter never truly rediscovered her form.
Boulter won the Trophee Clarins in Paris, a WTA 125 event. But on the main tour, she was only able to win back-to-back matches twice – once at the United Cup, and again at the Nottingham Open in June.
The Brit is now down to No. 99 in the live rankings after retiring in the first round in Hong Kong, and she could still be surpassed by players who are in action at other tournaments this week.