Katie Boulter has praised Jessica Pegula following Great Britain’s loss to the USA in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals on Saturday.
Boulter, who had helped Great Britain defeat Japan in the previous round, had watched Sonay Kartal lose to Emma Navarro in three sets before heading onto court against Pegula.
Despite leading Pegula by a set during their crucial second rubber, Boulter was unable to close out the match in Shenzhen, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Consequently, Great Britain’s wait for a Billie Jean King Cup title goes on.
Following the tie, Boulter heaped praise on her opponent after being asked about the American’s ability on the hard-court surface.
Katie Boulter says you have to ‘play the perfect point’ against Jessica Pegula on hard courts
Katie Boulter’s loss was certainly disappointing, one that will be a source of anguish.
After all, the British team lost at the same stage last year, and they haven’t reached the BJK Cup Final since 1981.
However, the Brit remained gracious in defeat, complimenting her American opponent after the match.
Boulter said: “Yeah, I mean, Jessie, I’ve played her two times now on a hard court, one faster one, today was slower. She’s a very good ball-striker.
“I feel like you have to play the perfect point to kind of win it. She makes you go for more and more.
“She moves extremely well but also can punish you if you don’t hit it properly.
Yeah, she’s obviously one of the best players in the world. I have a lot of respect for her.
“She’s been around top 10 for a very long time now. I’m sure she’ll still be there for a fair amount of time.”
The US, meanwhile, will face Italy in the final, after Olympic champions Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani combined to secure the decisive doubles rubber during their semi-final contest against Ukraine.
Italy had been just one set from defeat, as Paolini found herself a set down to Elina Svitolina in the second rubber. However, the Italian fought back to claim victory.
What happened the last time Katie Boulter and Jessica Pegula contested a match?
Katie Boulter’s last meeting with Jessica Pegula produced a more positive result for the Brit.
In the 2023 United Cup, Boulter upset Pegula 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in Perth, Australia.
As per Tennis TV, Boulter said: “The first set was really tight, and it could have gone either way.
“She came out heavy in the second and played some really good stuff, and I just tried to fight and stay in the match as much as possible—and somehow found a way.”
However, this result could not prevent Britain’s eventual loss to the US. Cameron Norrie lost in straight sets to Taylor Fritz, before Boulter and Neal Skupski lost to Pegula and Fritz in the deciding rubber.
