‘I wouldn’t say I was thrilled’: Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur prepare for more awkwardness in the United Cup
Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur will have to put their relationship aside when Great Britain and Australia face off in the United Cup on New Year’s Day. The couple, likely celebrating New Year’s Eve together, will face a different reality the next day in what could be a pivotal match for Group F in Sydney.
This isn’t the first time they’ve found themselves in such a situation. Last year in Perth, the two were in the same group, and Boulter admitted she’s not thrilled about facing her partner once again in a high-stakes event before the Australian Open.
“I wouldn’t say I was thrilled at the idea of playing him all over again,” Boulter said while de Minaur practiced on the Ken Rosewall Arena behind her. “He’s a top 10 player and knows how to play tennis, so that’s one side of it. Then there’s the personal side, which is difficult but also great for bragging rights.”
Last year, Boulter won her singles match against Ajla Tomljanovic, while de Minaur lost his, setting up another round of friendly competition on January 1. Despite the rivalry, Boulter is looking forward to the challenge. “Playing Australia is always fun, and we’re definitely going to be the underdogs, so let’s put the pressure on them.”
De Minaur, Australia’s top-ranked male player, won’t face Boulter directly in mixed doubles, but he also acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation. “It’s almost surreal that a year later, we’re here again. It’s going to be interesting. Hopefully, we can play some good tennis.”
Although the 24-hour rivalry adds an extra layer of tension, it won’t affect their relationship, which has only strengthened as both players have risen in the rankings. Boulter reassured that they handle the rivalry with humor. “We do like to throw some banter each other’s way, and we handle it that way. At the end of the day, we’re still going to go home and be together.”
While Boulter doesn’t expect de Minaur to be cheering for her during the match, she remains his number one supporter for the rest of the year. “I’ll be supporting him from the box every single time after that match,” she said. “It’s a unique situation, but we’ll get through it together.”
For de Minaur, this United Cup holds special significance, as it will take place in Sydney, the city where he was born. Boulter understands how much this tournament means to him. “I’ve seen the atmosphere it creates for him, and I know how much he loves this court,” she said ahead of her match against Australia’s Olivia Gadecki. With a smile, she added, “If we can get a win over the Aussies, it’ll be my court.”
