Katie Boulter spoke about how fans reacted to her engagement news (Image: Getty)
has claimed she has “felt the love” from Aussie fans after announcing her engagement to Alex de Minaur.
The British No.1 and the Aussie No.1 went public about their marriage on December 23.
The world No.23 Boulter started her new season with two wins at the United Cup in Sydney before taking a set off world No.2 .
De Minaur said he felt like “an honorary Brit” during his run to the quarter-finals last summer.
And Boulter, 28, is now looking forward to home support as she seeks to reach a Grand Slam fourth round for the first time.
“I feel like I’ve already felt the love so much more here, just more than last year,” she said. “Being in Sydney, which is obviously his hometown, where he was born, it was probably my first proper time playing tennis there. Just walking out onto the court and hearing the crowd for me really did help me.
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Boulter and Alex de Minaur announced the news online last month (Image: Getty)
“I felt very much at home and comfortable. Normally I’m actually the kind of person that dislikes going to new places, playing on a court for the first time. I actually felt very comfortable from the word ‘go’ when I was there. I think that was completely because of them and how they’ve been treating me. it makes a world of difference.
“I just love the culture (in Australia). I really enjoy coming here every single year. I have done as a junior as well. Obviously being around someone like Alex, such a hard worker. He loves his country, lives and dies by his Davis Cup number. I think that’s definitely rubbed off on me. Like I am for my own country, I take great pride in playing for my country. It’s been a fun ride. I love coming to Australia. It’s just a great place.”
Boulter is now working with ’s former fitness trainer Matt Little who claimed she was taken to some “dark places” during her pre-season training.
The Leicester City fan, who will face world No.98 Rebecca Marino in the opening round, said: “I would be lying if I didn’t say that there were dark places in every pre-season. I think it’s a tough place to be in, working day in, day out, doing things you’re not normally doing.
“I really feel like I thrive in those situations. I’m always doing everything that I’m asked of and more. I take pride in that. Hopefully the results this year are going to show that.
“I don’t take for granted that sometimes they don’t. I’m just enjoying the moment, seeing the tennis that I can play. In practice I’ve been playing great, as well. Hopefully I can continue that.”