British primary Katie Boulter was comfortably crushed in straight units by Russian prime seed Diana Shnaider within the remaining of the Hong Kong Open.
Boulter, seeded second, was bidding to win a 3rd WTA title of the season however was by no means within the contest, dropping 6-1 6-2 to the world quantity 14 in a single hour 11 minutes.
Regardless of the defeat, Boulter will transfer into the world’s prime 25 for the primary time after a powerful end to the season.
“Large congratulations to Diana, her household and her crew. What an unimaginable week and unimaginable season,” mentioned the 28-year-old.
“You completely killed me on the market at this time, however I’ll get you subsequent time.
“A large thanks to my crew. You push me day by day to attempt to be higher and I’m positive I will likely be again. What a season we now have had.”
Boulter is subsequent set to signify Nice Britain on the Billie Jean King Cup Finals on 15 November.
She may also be seeded on the Australian Open in January, that means she ought to keep away from taking part in the top-ranked gamers within the early levels.
“Katie was blissful to make it to the ultimate, given how she was feeling off the courtroom – she was bodily drained,” former British primary Laura Robson mentioned on Sky Sports activities.
“She’s on the planet’s prime 25 and there is so many positives. All spherical, a unbelievable 2024 for her.”