Alex de Minaur on Pressure, Success, and the Role of Katie Boulter in His Career
Alex de Minaur has credited his fiancée, Katie Boulter, for playing a crucial role in his rise up the ATP rankings, helping him navigate the pressures of the tour. The World No. 8 is coming off a strong run at the Australian Open, where he reached the quarterfinals before falling to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in a one-sided contest at Rod Laver Arena.
Despite the disappointment, de Minaur bounced back quickly, leading Australia to victory over Sweden in the Davis Cup and continuing his strong form with an impressive straight-sets victory over David Goffin in his opening match at the Rotterdam Open.
Handling Expectations and Life on Tour with Boulter
As a top-10 player, de Minaur admitted that expectations have intensified in 2025, particularly with his home crowd expecting a deep run at the Australian Open after his stellar 2024 season.
“There is a big difference between being ranked 11th or 12th in the world and already being among the Top 10. Media attention is higher, and expectations are raised,” he told ATPTour.com.
However, de Minaur revealed that the weeks he spends with Boulter on tour help ease the stress of competition and travel.
“It definitely does help the weeks that I’m with Katie. It makes it a lot easier to be so far away from home. They are long stints,” he said.
While Boulter was unable to attend his Australian Open campaign due to her own demanding tennis schedule, de Minaur emphasized the importance of finding balance between his career and personal life.
“It is important to try and go out for dinners, go out for coffees, try to make life as normal as you can. And enjoy the time with the people you have—whether it’s friends, players, or your own team.”
Pushing for More in 2025
Following his fourth consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal, de Minaur is determined to continue improving and push his game to new heights.
“It is a magnificent foundation upon which to keep building. My main goal this season is to avoid injuries and keep progressing. I don’t think I have reached my limit yet. I want more.”
Despite thriving under pressure, de Minaur has opted not to defend his Acapulco title, instead choosing to play at the Dubai Tennis Championships, which offers a larger $3.4 million prize pool compared to $2.7 million in Acapulco. While the decision remains unexplained, it signals a strategic shift in his 2025 schedule as he aims for further success.
