De Minaur’s Risky Schedule Change Backfires as Boulter Faces Mixed Emotions
Alex de Minaur’s tough month continued after he failed to defend his Mexican Open title, opting instead to chase rankings points and prize money in Doha and Dubai. The decision didn’t pay off, as he fell in the quarterfinals in Doha and the second round in Dubai, leaving him without the back-to-back titles he had won in Acapulco in 2023 and 2024.
Initially, de Minaur had expected to spend more time with fiancée Katie Boulter, who was scheduled to play WTA events in Doha and Dubai. However, her foot injury forced her to withdraw, meaning the engaged couple missed out on rare time together. To make matters worse, de Minaur was eliminated in the fourth round at Indian Wells, maintaining his unwanted streak of never reaching the quarterfinals there. Meanwhile, Boulter was also knocked out early, adding to a growing trend of disappointing performances when they compete at the same events.
Boulter Congratulates Draper Despite Rankings Shake-Up
Despite de Minaur’s struggles, Boulter took to social media to congratulate fellow Brit Jack Draper on his breakthrough Indian Wells title. In the same post, she also celebrated five years with de Minaur, sharing a photo of the couple.
Though her support for Draper was understandable, his victory meant that de Minaur dropped down the ATP rankings. Boulter has previously admitted to feeling conflicted when Australia faces Great Britain at events like the United Cup, and this moment highlighted those emotions once again.
Draper and Andreeva Shock the Tennis World
Draper’s triumph at Indian Wells was a career-defining moment. The young Brit defeated Holger Rune in the final, securing his first Masters 1000 title just a year after suffering a first-round exit at the same tournament. “I have put in a lot of work over time and I’m so grateful to be out here, with my body healthy and feeling great in the mind. It feels like it is all coming together on the big stage,” Draper said after his victory.
Meanwhile, Mirra Andreeva delivered a stunning upset, defeating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback win. At just 17 years old, she became the youngest Indian Wells champion since Serena Williams in 1999. The Russian teen also defeated World No.2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, solidifying her status as one of the hottest rising stars in tennis.
Andreeva’s Indian Wells title marked her second WTA 1000 victory of 2025, following her earlier success in Dubai. With a 19-3 record this season, she now holds the most wins on the WTA Tour this year, cementing her place as a serious contender for future Grand Slam success.
