I’m lucky to have a boyfriend who understands what pressure means, says Katie Boulter

Katie Boulter says she is lucky to have tennis star boyfriend Alex de Minaur who understands the “lows and highs” of playing sport as they compete at Wimbledon today.

They have been in love for more than a year, having gone public with their romance in March 2021 but were friends first. The 25-year-old admits: “I’m super lucky.”

The tennis star, who has previously modelled for Nike and appeared in Vogue, tells the Standard: “He’s so supportive of me in the job that I do and completely understands.

“Not many people do. To have that kind of connection where they know what you’re going through, they know the lows and highs, it does feel very comforting. I’m lucky to have him.”

Having such a high-profile relationship with 23-year-old Aussie No 1 de Minaur doesn’t faze the Leicester-born ace as she “just ignores” comments on social media.

She was speaking ahead of her clash today against Clara Burel while de Minaur, who reached fourth round in the Australian Open for the first time in his career this year, goes head-to-head with Hugo Dellien.

Boulter says preparations for SW19 are going well but behind the scenes she has been secretly supporting two close family members battling serious illness. One relative has “massively improved”, the other’s condition has deteriorated due to their age.

“It’s a tough one but is something everyone has to go through,” said Boulter.

“One hundred per cent, illness gives you perspective. “You forget what’s important in life and this has hit the nail on the head that family is important.”

Ranked 127, Boulter beat Czech world No7 Karolina Pliskova at the recent Eastbourne warm-up.

“Wimbledon is something that I look forward to every single year,” she said. “I get goosebumps just being back in the arena. They give you that special feeling, it’s close to your heart. You can’t replicate that anywhere else.”

Boulter is hoping her mother Sue, a former tennis coach, brother James and their grandparents will be able to travel to south-west London to see her play.

She says her confidence is coming from years of work and a close-knit support group.

Boulter added: “The most important thing is having a good team. They push me in the places that I need and keep me in the ‘uncomfortable zone’.”