Wimbledon: Katie Boulter thinks her promotion to British No. 1 would not add pressure on her Wimbledon campaign.
The 26-year-old climbed to the top of the British rankings after winning her maiden WTA Tour tournament in Nottingham last month, and in the absence of the injured Emma Raducanu, she is the most visible home player.
When asked if she felt any more weight on her shoulders, Boulter, who is ranked 88, replied, “I don’t think so. When it comes to that sort of thing, I’m pretty comfortable in my own skin.
“I can do my best, and that’s all I can do at the end of the day. I know I’ve put in the effort, and if it comes out this week, that’s fantastic; it’s a dream come true.
“But I’ve sat here and watched Wimbledon – there have been many times when I haven’t played Wimbledon – and I don’t take anything for granted, just being here, playing, and being a part of this tournament.
“Of course, it’s nice to feel appreciated, but it’s all about the tennis, and I’ve got a lot of work to do. I need to do my work while remaining grounded.”
Along with her Nottingham run, Boulter will be buoyed by her performance at Wimbledon last year, when she overcame previous finalist Karolina Pliskova in the second round on Centre Court.
“The biggest thing for me was getting over the line against Pliskova,” she explained. “That was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do, and I’ve gained a lot of confidence from serving out that match in particular.
“It’s something I’ll be using out there on the court. Whatever happens, I’ll fight and will always put my heart on the line.”
Boulter, who kicks off her campaign against Australia’s Daria Saville on Tuesday, is staying in a huge house nearby with her squad, long-term boyfriend Alex de Minaur, and his crew.
The tennis duo has had a fantastic month, with the 16th-ranked De Minaur reaching the final at Queen’s Club.
“I feel like we’re constantly pushing each other,” Boulter remarked. “I’ve learned a lot from him as a person and as a player. I’m incredibly fortunate to have an insider who understands the emotions I experience on and off the court.
“He’s an incredible player, and as evidenced by his ranking, he does it week in and week out. I do my hardest to imitate what he does.”
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