“I truly believe I can do it” – Katie Boulter on beating the best players, her pre-season & this year’s Australian Open
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British No.1 Katie Boulter is gearing up for her first Australian Open as a seeded player coming off the back of the best season of her career to date.
The 28-year-old – who is the 22nd seed in this year’s draw – has proved over the last year that she is ready to push her game to a new level and compete with the very top players in the world for the biggest titles.
After an off season that has seen her delve into some tough training both on and off the court, lead her country at the United Cup and announce her engagement to Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur, the Leicester-native is excited to get going in Melbourne this week.
“I’m feeling pretty relaxed actually,” Boulter said in her pre tournament press conference. “I’m looking forward to starting a new season. I feel like I’ve put so much work in this last couple of years.
“Going into this one I’m excited for what’s to come – I feel like I’m building something and the start of my year has shown that already.”
Boulter has been a fan favourite already Down Under having been one of the stars of the United Cup in Sydney.
The British No.1 secured three wins in the opening two ties against Argentina and Australia, before taking on world No.2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. The Briton put in an impressive performance against the Polish star and in the third set, was less than one millimetre away from serving for the match, before eventually losing 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4.
“My belief is growing every single day the more matches I play like that (vs Swiatek)”, she said. "I believe I’m at that level and I can be that every day. Now it’s about making sure I’m playing at that level each week and I think the physicality that I’ve brought to my game will become more consistent. Hopefully it will help me become steadier all year round.
“Iga is one of the best in the game and I really feel I could have got over that line. I was quite calm in that situation as well, which is something I’ve not always felt when playing massive players and I think that mindset is going to help me win those matches. I truly believe I can do it.
“I’ve felt the love so much more here, more than last year. Being in Sydney – his (De Minaur’s) hometown where he was born – it was probably my first time playing tennis there. Just walking out onto the court and hearing the crown there for me, really helped me and I felt really comfortable. It makes the world of difference.”
In 2024 Boulter made headlines in winning her biggest title to date at the San Diego Open, as well as defending her title at the Rothesay Open Nottingham in June.
Her performances across the tour saw her break into the WTA top 25 for the first time and now at this point in her career, Boulter wants to take another step forward at the world’s biggest events – the Grand Slams.
“I don’t (feel any extra pressure),” the British star said reflecting on her previous season going into 2025. “My goal this year is to stay healthy and get through a whole year of tennis, that’s my number one priority.
“I’ve tried to increase the value that I put on Slams and big tournaments. It’s something I’ve not fully prioritised before – I’ve tried to perform at them but not peak.
“I think going into this year it will be more about me learning what I should and shouldn’t do before Slams, should I play the week before, whether I don’t, my build up going into a Slam, there’s a little bit more emphasis on it for sure. It’s about trusting my play and making sure the preparations are right going into those tournaments.”
Boulter will play world No.98 Rebecca Marino in the first round of this year’s Australian Open. A win would see her play Olivia Gadecki for the second time already this year, or Veronika Kudermetova, before a potential third round against 15th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Benefiting from a seeded draw for the first time in Melbourne, Boulter will be hoping to get past the second round for the first time in her career.
“It's something I’ve become accustomed to more and more (being seeded at a Grand Slam),” she explained.
“I never really understood it until I was in that position. Ultimately players ranked beneath you are fighting for your position and they are going to come out swinging and probably elevate their level.
“I’m more prepared for it this year – it’s never going to be easy, especially with the depth of women’s players. I believe that number is by my name for a reason and I want to move it higher and higher.”
Catch Boulter and the rest of the British stars competing at the Australian Open from Sunday 12 January.
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