Last week, Katie Boulter won her fourth career WTA title at the Ostrava Open.
Boulter defeated Lucie Havlickova, Victoria Golubic, Linda Fruhvirtova, Katy Volynets and Tamara Korpatsch on her way to the title in Czechia.
A week later, Boulter watched her fiancé – Alex de Minaur – win his 11th ATP Tour title in Rotterdam.
The British number four seems to have turned a corner after a difficult 2025 season, where she fell out of the world’s top 100.
What is stopping Katie Boulter from staying in the WTA top 20?
On Tuesday, Boulter’s next event was confirmed.
Katie Boulter receives a wildcard for the Merida Open
As per the Lawn Tennis Association, Katie Boulter has been given a wildcard for the Merida Open.
The post read: “Heading to Mexico next week. Katie Boulter has a wild card for the Merida Open 500!”
Boulter, 29, has never competed at the event, which was founded in 2023 after taking the place of the Abierto Zapopan Open – a WTA 125 tournament.
The tournament was last won by Emma Navarro, who defeated Emiliana Arango in the final.
Navarro, the world number 19, is set to defend her title in 2026. Arango is also scheduled to play at the event, as are Paula Badosa, Daria Kasatkina and Maria Sakkari.
The Merida Open is scheduled to take place following the conclusion of the Dubai Tennis Championships. The dates for the event are February 23 to March 1.
Katie Boulter’s big opportunity
After winning the Ostrava Open, Katie Boulter enjoyed a significant leap up the WTA rankings to world number 75.
And now Boulter has yet another opportunity to increase her ranking.
Do you think women should play best-of-five set matches?
The wildcard element of Boulter’s entry is crucial in aiding the British star’s chances of increasing her ranking, as she would have most likely needed to come through qualifying without the wildcard.
With the wildcard, Boulter has navigated her way around qualifying and can fully focus on the main draw.
If Boulter were to win the Merida Open, she would most likely return to the WTA top 50.
