Katie Boulter made history at the Australian Open by securing a British record for the most first-round singles victories at the tournament, overcoming Canadian world No. 98 Rebecca Marino in a tense and thrilling match. The victory marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her resilience and mental fortitude in the face of pressure.
A nervy encounter and emotional support
Boulter, ranked No. 22 in the world, was visibly struggling in the early stages of her match against Marino, especially under the floodlights of the Kia Arena. As the contest grew more intense, Boulter's composure was tested.
However, when Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur, her fiance, arrived in the stands after his straight-set victory, Boulter’s energy shifted. With de Minaur’s support, Boulter found the strength to elevate her game and clinch a hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 win after three hours and 14 minutes.
“That was way too stressful for me,” Boulter admitted after the match. “That was massively a mental challenge for me. Having him come out and support means pretty much everything to me. Having the extra positivity from my bench makes the difference. He is my support system. He kind of leads me.”
De Minaur’s presence and Australian crowd support
Boulter’s fiance, de Minaur, who had already claimed a win earlier in the day, was a calming influence in the latter stages of her match. “I think I heard his mum's voice from the crowd,” Boulter recalled. “That was the first thing I heard before he came. I kind of felt comfortable that he had won and that I could fully relax.”
Known as the "Posh and Becks" of tennis, Boulter and de Minaur are one of the sport’s most admired couples. For Boulter, the support from the Australian crowds has also played a key role in her success in Melbourne. “The Aussie crowds are pretty incredible,” Boulter said.
“From the moment I landed here in Australia, even in Sydney, I have felt the love, and I can't tell you how much it means to me. They picked me up loads. The shouting from the stands makes all the difference sometimes for me. This is the closest I have ever felt to home.”
A bright future for British Tennis
Boulter’s success at the Australian Open adds to the positive momentum surrounding British tennis. She joins fellow British players Jack Draper, Jacob Fearnley, Emma Raducanu, Harriet Dart, and Jodie Burrage in securing singles wins at the tournament. “That’s so great to see,” Boulter said. “It’s awesome to have some positivity coming out around British tennis.”
Boulter will next face world No. 75 Veronika Kudermetova as she looks to progress beyond the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.