Katie Boulter arrives at the Australian Open after a string of poor results at the backend of the 2025 season.
The British star fell from inside the top 30 to outside the top 100 within a year, which caused Boulter to add new coach Michael Joyce to her team.
Boulter was buoyed by sneaking into the Australian Open main draw without qualifying, despite her ranking of world number 117.
She has been given a tough first round draw against Belinda Bencic in Melbourne, but Jelena Dokic has tipped the star to rise back up the rankings in 2026.
Jelena Dokic tells Katie Boulter how she can rise up the WTA rankings
Australian stars keep a keen eye on Boulter’s progress due to her engagement with hometown hero, Alex de Minaur.
Dokic, speaking via Nine, backed the British number four to continue her ascent back up the WTA Tour rankings.
“Katie’s had a tough year because she got into the top 30, she was seeded at Grand Slams as well. Last year was tough because she did feel that pressure and expectations to then go really into the top 20, maybe even push for top 10,” said the former world number four.
What is stopping Katie Boulter from staying in the WTA top 20?
“Big game as well, I feel like she lost a bit of confidence last year through some early losses in the year. Coaching change, as you mentioned. I think this year will be about rebuilding, she definitely has the game but as we all know confidence is a massive thing in sport and in tennis.”
Dokic then explained what Boulter should do to gain the rankings points needed to re-enter the elite of the sport.
“I think for Katie, and what I would maybe do as well, play some smaller tournaments and try and get as many matches as you can.
“That’s how you build that confidence, she’s a great athlete. She’s got a big game, big forehand, and big serve as well. If that gets going, she’s always dangerous.”
Boulter started her season at the ASB Classic, where she won a match against Yuliia Starodubtseva, before suffering a defeat to eventual winner Elina Svitolina.
Katie Boulter explains her relationship with Michael Joyce
Boulter’s new coach Joyce comes with a Grand Slam-winning CV, which includes three during his time with Maria Sharapova.
Joyce also worked with several players who have been around Boulter’s current ranking, including Jessica Pegula and Ashlyn Krueger.
In her Australian Open press conference, Boulter revealed exactly why she opted to work with the American coach.
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“I started working with Michael Joyce at the end of last year. Personally I always really liked him. I thought he’s done a really good job with a lot of other players… Jessi, Ashlyn.
“I feel like he’s been around a long time on tour. He’s someone that I didn’t really get to know that much until I spent time with him on court, and I really like his style.
“I feel like it’s going well at the moment. So yeah, I think we’re all quite calm, which really helps because I’ve got that energy around me, which is important for me as a tennis player. Yeah, I think everything is going well, and just really looking to build on what we’ve started.”
Joyce has also worked with Timea Babos, Johanna Konta, and Eugenie Bouchard.
