Katie Boulter begins Wimbledon charge against Australia’s Daria Saville on Court 18

British No 1 Katie Boulter is taking on Australia’s Daria Saville on Court 18 as she looks to better her third-placed finish at Wimbledon in 2022. 

Boulter, who won her first WTA title at Nottingham and reached the semi-finals at Surbiton, goes into Wimbledon as the top-ranked British player in the women’s singles. 

However, she insisted before the tournament that her elevation to British No 1 would not add unwanted pressure and insisted she will try her best at the oldest tennis tournament in the world. 

Speaking ahead of the tournament she said: ‘I don’t think I do. I feel very comfortable in my own skin when it comes to that kind of stuff. 

‘I can do my best and at the end of the day, that’s all I can do. I know I’ve put the work in and, if it happens to come out this week, then great, it’s a dream come true. 

Boulter, who won her first WTA title at Nottingham and reached the semi-finals at Surbiton, goes into Wimbledon as the top-ranked British player in the women’s singles

Boulter’s boyfriend Alex De Minaur (left) will play on the same court after her (right) at SW19 

‘But I’ve sat here and watched Wimbledon – there’s been many times that I haven’t played Wimbledon, and I really don’t take anything for granted just being here and playing and being a part of this tournament.

‘Of course it’s nice to feel like people appreciate you, but at the same time it’s about the tennis and I’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ve got to get my job done and keep myself very grounded.’

Boulter’s boyfriend Alex De Minaur will play on the same court after she finishes – taking on Belgium star Kimmer Coppejans. 

Both have reasonably strong chances to go deep into the competition and will be relying on each other to help maintain focus and discipline in what is one of the tennis calendars most glamorous events. 

The power couple are renting a house a stone’s throw from the All England Club with both families and Boulter says the familiarity and relaxing time helps her preparation.

‘We all get to spend a whole lot of time together,’ she said recently. ‘I have the option of popping out when I want to – I know where the closest coffee shop is, where the stringers are – so this is a place I can call home.’

Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Boulter given her scintillating form and emergence as a sponsor’s dream.

She has deals with Nike, Wilson and Jaguar, appeared on the front cover of Tatler and had an photoshoot in Vogue, but she says she has not been paying attention to the added fame she has received in the last 12 months. 

More to follow… 

Boulter was the cover star of Tatler magazine, along with Jack Draper (L) and Cam Norrie (R)