Ruthless Boulter sends GB into BJK Cup semi-finals

Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal both won their matches in straight sets against Japan

Billie Jean King Cup 2025 - Great Britain v Japan

Dates: 18 September Venue: Shenzhen, China

Coverage: Watch live on BBC iPlayer (UK only), plus live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app

A ruthless Katie Boulter secured Great Britain's place in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win against Japan.

Boulter, the nation's leading singles player in Shenzhen in the absence of Emma Raducanu, played aggressively to beat Moyuka Uchijima 6-2 6-1 in the second singles match.

Sonay Kartal had early given Anne Keothavong's side the perfect start with a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) victory over Ena Shibahara.

Great Britain will now face the United States on Saturday as they look to keep alive their hopes of winning the women's team tournament for the first time, having lost in the final on four previous occasions.

"Sonay put in a clinical performance out there so she made it really easy to follow," Boulter said.

"This team qualified earlier in the year and we showed a lot of heart. We have another shot at a final.

"Hopefully this is our time now."

Boulter's serving was strong throughout, the Briton winning 70% of first-serve points, and she never looked in any real danger against Uchijima.

After getting the first break in the fifth game of the opening set, Boulter reeled off the next three games on her way to taking the first set.

Boulter maintained that momentum with a break at the start of the second set, with her aggressive play always having Uchijima on the defence.

The pressure proved too much as Boulter secured two further breaks on the way to a dominant win.

Confident Kartal sets the tone for GB

World number 82 Kartal, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time this summer, has won all three of her BJK Cup ties since making her debut earlier this year.

Kartal was confident and in control from the outset against Shibahara, claiming back-to-back breaks on her way to racing into a 4-0 lead.

Shibahara looked nervous early on but shifted the momentum her way when she won eight points in a row to claw back to 4-3.

But with a break still behind her, Kartal halted Shibahara's run with a hold to love that unsettled her opponent once more. Mistakes crept in on the Japanese's service game, allowing Kartal to take advantage and clinch the opening set.

The second set was a far closer affair, and Kartal had to dig deep to fend off a break-point chance at 4-4.

Although she could not break the obstinate Shibahara's serve, Kartal dominated the tie-break, securing victory on her second match point.

"Their [Japan's] whole team is super tough so I knew it was not going to be easy in the slightest," Kartal said.

"I tried to play my game when things got tough and stay aggressive. I backed myself all the way."