Katie Boulter sets new British record at Australian Open as Alex de Minaur watches win

2025 Australian Open - Day 3

Katie Boulter is into the second round of the Australian Open (Image: Getty)

set a new record of six British first-round wins at the after a battling victory over world No.98 Rebecca Marino.

But the British No.1 did not seal the win until her fiance Alex de Minaur arrived in the Kia Arena halfway through the final set.

The British No.1 had beaten Canadian journeywoman Rebecca Marino in their two previous meetings without dropping a set – and took the opener here.

But Marino, 34, used her experience and her big forehand to level the match before the No.22 finally triumphed 6-4 3-6 7-5 in three hours and 14 minutes.

Boulter will face world No.75 Veronika Kudermetova next. She said: “That was way too stressful for me – I would have preferred a much easier match today.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“She came out firing. It is down to the fans here that I go through. That was massively mental for me.”

She joins , Harriet Dart, Jodie Burrage, and Jacob Fearnley in the second round.

De Minaur won his opening match in the Rod Laver Arena before crossing Melbourne Park to watch the end of his future wife’s match.

“I am guessing he won,” said Boulter. “I heard a massive roar when he came in. I am so happy to see him win.”

Boulter is bidding to make the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her 15th attempt.

She will face the winner of the late match in the Rod Laver Arena between Aussie Olivia Gadecki and Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

TENNIS-AUS-OPEN

Katie Boulter has never gotten past the second round of the Australian Open (Image: Getty)

After two long men’s matches were played on the Kia Arena earlier in the day, this contest did not start until 8.38pm local time

Boulter was broken in her opening service game after sending down back-to-back double faults to trail 2-0. But she immediately broke back when the Canadian sent a forehand long – and then broke against to lead 4-3 when Merino slapped another forehand over the baseline.

Boulter took her third set point after 48 minutes when the world No.98 hit a backhand return into the net and she seemed ready to cruise to a comfortable win.

But Marino broke Boulter’s serve again in her opening service game of the second set and did not face a break point on her own serve as she drew the match level.

The Leicester City fans saved three break points on her own serve before Marino faced match point on her down serve at 5-6. Boulter could not return the 181kmh first serve.

The British No.1 forced a second match point with a superb forehand winner down the line. And this time Merino put the third shot of the rally into the net to spark celebrations from Boulter and her adopted home crowd.

“This is the closest I have ever felt to home,” she said. “The moment I arrived here in Sydney I have felt the love.”

De Minaur beat Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-1 7-5 6-4

“I know as soon as I walk on this court, every single one of you has my back so I’m going to be at my very best from the first to the last,” said the Aussie No.1.

Speaking about his Christmas engagement in his courtside interview, World No.8 De Minaur said: “I’m very happy that it happened but, saying that, she is playing right now so I better get out there and watch her!”

Related Posts


This will close in 0 seconds