Katie Boulter’s poor form at the backend of 2025 led to the British star plunging the rankings and splitting with her long-time coach, Biljana Veselinovic.
The British star’s poor form on the Asian swing caused her to drop out of the top 100, meaning she now has to go through Australian Open qualifying.
Boulter has received a wild card for the ASB Classic ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, as she looks to rekindle the form which saw her rise to World No. 23 just over a year ago.
The star has added an esteemed new coach to the fold in order to combat her concerning form last season.
Katie Boulter adds Maria Sharapova’s former coach Michael Joyce
According to BBC Sport, Boulter has added Michael Joyce to her coaching team in the lead-up to the Australian Open.
Joyce is most well-regarded for his time with Maria Sharapova, in which he oversaw two Grand Slam victories and her rise to world number one.
What is stopping Katie Boulter from staying in the WTA top 20?
The American coach, who reached a career ranking high of world number 64 during his playing days, most recently worked with Ashlyn Krueger.
Krueger made her top 30 debut under the tutelage of Joyce, but their four-year working relationship has come to an end.
Boulter will be the second British star Joyce has worked with, following the American’s working relationship with Johanna Konta between 2017 and 2018.
His time with Konta saw the British star fall from ninth in the rankings to 45th, so Boulter will be hoping to buck that trend.
What Katie Boulter said she expected from a new coach in 2025
Boulter has not divulged any new information after adding Joyce to her ranks, but she did outline what she wanted her new coach to do after her split from Veselinovic.
“Going forward with a new coach, one thing I’m very clear on is that they are going to be someone who has a lot of experience in how to make it to the very top level of this game,” she told BBC Sport.
What is your bold prediction for the 2026 tennis season?
“I’ve been ranked as high as 23 and I know I can get back there. I don’t think my level has gone anywhere, I think the consistency needs to improve. My goal is not to be ranked 50, 40, 30, 20 – we’ve been there. The goal is to be inside 20.”
Boulter will begin her 2026 season as the World No. 112, but her wild card entry in the ASB Classic will likely lead her up the rankings no matter the result.
Boulter’s qualifying campaign for the Australian Open will begin on Monday 12 January until Thursday 15 January.
