BOULTER FROM THE BLUE: revved up and ready, Katie Boulter cannot wait for Wimbledon

British tennis fanatics will surely turn to Katie Boulter for their Brit-fix at Wimbledon, now Emma Raducanu has succumbed to injury. And Helen M Jerome hears from the Leicester-born star exactly why grass means so much to her.

Just two years ago, Katie Boulter was ranked No 23 in the world. Injuries and inconsistency saw her plummet to 106 last year, but things are looking up again, and she’s currently up to No 60. The 29-year-old won the Ostrava open in February, and backed this up with a riveting run to the semi-final at Queen’s this June, notably defeating world number two, Elena Rybakina.

She was a wildcard at Queen’s and the rain meant scheduling was a nightmare, with her first match spilling over to a second day – a victory over eighth seed Leylah Fernandez. The logjam caused by endless downpours also meant many players navigating two matches in quick succession. Once Boulter had beaten Jaqueline Cristian, she was into the quarterfinals, where she overcame top seed, Rybakina, which rates as the best win by ranking of her career so far.

And just when it looked like we might have an all-British final, with Emma Raducanu coming through the other half of the draw, Boulter fell in the semis to the lucky loser – and eventual winner – Donna Vekić.

Let no-one say that the Wimbledon organisers have no emotion or wit in their programming this year. Boulter’s Aussie fiancé Alex de Minaur aka ‘Demon’ is up against Roman Burruchaga (whose father is a bonafide Argentine football hero) on Court 3 on Tuesday. And this is straight after Boulter herself – which is surely no coincidence. Her own opposition is Tyra Grant, the 18-year-old Italian rising star (whose own dad was a pro basketball player), who could provide stiff competition.

When I spoke to Katie Boulter – on more than one occasion during her incredible Queen’s run – she was very effusive and thoughtful in her answers. And this is what she said…

First, I wanted to know how the crowds help propel and lift Boulter in tricky conditions against challenging opponents.

KATIE BOULTER: The crowds! Yeah, I mean, they were incredible. I got so many feelings that came out. I could hear them chanting.

They were stomping, bringing such an incredible atmosphere to such a historic court.

It never gets taken for granted on my end. I really appreciate having people behind me.

Having home support is obviously a big factor…

Being British, like, I’m a very patriotic person, to have that crowd is… I mean, it’s what I dreamt of as a young girl, playing in front of a load of people. Especially on that [Andy Murray Arena] court, as well.

You know, it’s kudos to everyone for making it happen that we could have a WTA event here [at Queen’s], because I’ve watched it for many years be a men’s event.

Some visualisation too…

It is something I have dreamt of. I dreamt of winning this tournament.

Hopefully next year is going to be that one, but yeah, the crowd are some of the best we’ve had yet. I definitely will carry that.

To me it felt like Boulter might can carry this feeling with her, through the grass season and especially Wimbledon. Turns out it’s considerably more Proustian for her…

When you go into a grass season, it kind of takes me back to my childhood. And I think that’s one of the most familiar feelings which really makes me feel great about myself.

It takes me back to where I first started. It very much grounds me. So to be out there on the lawn, playing and enjoying myself really does resonate with me as a child, and that’s why I have so much fun.

I think it’s the perfect place for it.

One of the other notable pluses at Queen’s was Boulter teaming up in doubles with Emma Raducanu (‘Boultercanu’) just as they did last year. Their own delight was reflected in the crowd reaction, despite losing in the first round…

It’s an honour just to be on these courts in the first place and have Emma as a partner as well (below). Yeah, I just always have a smile on my face.

Doubles is clearly something that gives an extra edge to Boulter’s game – plus more playing time and even relief.

In Madrid she partnered Venus Williams, and at Wimbledon this year she’s paired with another homegrown grass veteran, Heather Watson – and they have great memories of reaching the quarter final of the Paris Olympics together, in 2024.

I think also in doubles I can be a little bit more relaxed and just enjoy it a bit more and swing free and naturally.

I’ve always been that kind of person that maybe singles is a little bit more tense, and doubles, I can let my guard down and play the way that I want to play.  

Watch Katie Boulter (and everyone else) on BBC iPlayer throughout Wimbledon. Literally every court is being show, so just consult at the schedule and menu.