Katie Swan insists the sky is the limit for her following an impressive comeback victory over top seed Tatjana Maria in the quarter-finals of the LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy.
The British No.5 became the third British woman in tournament history to upset the top seed in her 3-6 6-3 6-4 triumph over the 2022 Wimbledon semi-finalist.
Three British women have reached the semi-finals, the most in the tournament’s history, and Swan will take on British No.7 Lily Yuriko Miyazaki in the next round after she ended 16-year-old Isabelle Lacy’s fairytale run.
And Swan believes she showed just how good she can be in an incredible victory over a tricky opponent.
“She made the semi-finals of Wimbledon last year, I think that just shows the level that I can play, and I am feeling great,” said the 24-year-old.
“It definitely gives me confidence, I was feeling really good coming into this week and felt like I could do something or have a good result.
“It felt great to get through that in the end, it was such a tough match and she has a very tricky playing style to play against.
“I just had to be really patient, trust myself and use my legs a lot.
“In the end, it paid off.
“It is great to play in the UK and I always look forward to the grass season because we have that home support.
“Tomorrow I am playing another Brit so it may not be like that but at least today I had support and they were great.
“I am really good friends with Lily, but when you go out onto the court you just have to treat it like every other match.”
There was a record-equalling four British women in the quarter-finals, the first time that has happened since 2017.
The LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy signals the beginning of an exciting season of grass-court action, and the Brits have got off to a stunning start.
And Swan expects Britain’s players to shine all summer long.
She added: “I think the Brits in general love playing on grass, so everybody was really motivated coming into this tournament.
“So many of us can win these tournaments, and it just depends week to week who sort of pulls it together, but just to have three Brits in the semis is a great start to the grass.
“I said it a few days ago but I really believe that there are going to be some great results for us over the next few weeks ahead.”
Maria is known for her unique slicing style that makes her incredibly difficult to play against, and Swan insists she has never played anyone quite like her.
She said: “I have never played anyone like that before.
“I would probably say that Lily is the closest person I have played to that sort of style.
“I got my coach to slice everything in the warmup this morning and I was getting really mad.
“It was a test of my patience but I am happy I was able to stay calm because it ended up being one of my best wins.”
Swan will be hoping to go one step further than her beloved Arsenal did in the Barclays Premier League this season.
The 24-year-old is passionate Gunner, and believes that Mikel Arteta’s team have what it takes to win the title next term.
She added: “We have improved since last year you know.
“It was a tough end to the season, but we are on our way up.
“I don’t want to get too confident, because that happened already this year.”Exactly, one match at a time.”
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website
Join the discussion