Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter are two of tennis’ most likeable individuals, so the fact that they are engaged makes for a heartwarming union.
After all, these are two top-level athletes regularly competing at the pinnacle of their sport, even if the Brit has not enjoyed the most successful of years.
In fact, her poor form has seen her ranking plummet across the last 12 months, while Alex de Minaur has arguably only risen in stature.
This awkward disparity between the two is such a shame, given how talented they both are.
However, it does make the Australian’s prediction about his now-fiancée in 2022 a sadly poor one.
The prediction Alex de Minaur made about Katie Boulter in 2022
Speaking during Katie Boulter’s fantastic run to the Wimbledon third round that year, De Minaur was naturally beaming with pride.
Despite losing to Harmony Tan, the 25-year-old claimed, after she knocked out the 2021 runner-up Karolína Plíšková: “I think it’s amazing. What she was able to do today was an amazing effort.
What is stopping Katie Boulter from staying in the WTA top 20?
“I mean, under all the circumstances, she got out there on Centre Court, and beat last year’s runner-up. So, I think that’s pretty special.
“I’m just stoked for her. This is her home Slam. She gets to enjoy it. I know she was a little bit nervous going in, but she’s gone out and put on a brilliant performance.”
Boulter would reply: “He’s someone that I have a lot of admiration for on and off the tennis court.
“He is the epitome of a fighter and someone that goes out and gives their all every single day. That’s what I aspire to be like. I feel like to have that around me and my team, it really helps me because I can push myself. He helps me do that.”
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However, De Minaur’s subsequent prediction about the coming years was a sadly misplaced one, as he concluded by noting: “For me, more than anything, I just loved to see her back.
“I think this is back where she belongs, and in no time, she will be even higher than ever. I think she’s got an incredible level, and she’s been showing it all this grass season. I’m very proud of her.”
Katie Boulter’s current struggles ahead of the 2026 season
At that point in time, Boulter sat 188th in the world.
It’s fair to say that some of De Minaur’s prediction came true, as just two years later, she reached a career-high ranking of 23rd.
However, all of that good work seems to have been undone in just over a year, with the former British number one now languishing down in 106th in the world rankings.
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Boulter is right back where she started, which is a huge shame given the talent she boasts.
The 29-year-old should be in seeded spots for Grand Slams, routinely causing trouble for the world’s top players. And yet, her misfiring serve, amongst other issues, continues to hold her back.
Boulter’s serve has been questioned, and if she is to progress, it needs some serious work.
Fortunately, Boulter has been handed a boost ahead of the Australian Open, despite the fact that she will have to enter qualifying for the first Grand Slam of the year.
