Alex de Minaur and his girlfriend Katie Boulter both won big singles titles in the past week.Alex de Minaur has revealed long-time girlfriend and fellow tennis star Katie Boulter helped him gain greater perspective in dealing with his lowest moments as he takes aim at a top-five world ranking.
World No.10 de Minaur defended his Acapulco title last Sunday before skipping the event’s after-party to hop into a taxi at barely 4am the next day to board a red-eye flight to make it in time to watch Boulter win the biggest trophy of her life in San Diego.“He finished last night at midnight and I really want to embarrass him. He got in a 4.15 taxi this morning and 6am flight to be here today, so I do appreciate it.
“Katie’s helped me find perspective within tennis matches, and within losses, on how to deal with that side of things and not get too down on myself. I’ve always liked how she’s gone about her business, and how she doesn’t let any result define her. That’s something in the past that was tough for me to deal with.“She’s finally believing in herself and the level she’s got, which everyone knew she had in her – and it’s great to see her results and playing some great tennis.
“I was definitely in the hunt until the very end , so I gave myself a pretty decent shot there,” he said. De Minaur is already noticing a difference in how his locker-room peers are treating him, but there was also a tangible reward that came from what his well-earned ranking has done for his confidence.“It is never easy going into a match-up where you have not been successful in the past and had a lot of trouble,” de Minaur said.
He lost in the second round at both last year, after having a first-round bye, which he also benefited from this time.