Katie Boulter Talks Wimbledon, Match-Day Style & Her Favourite London Spots
With Wimbledon finally upon us, tennis season is in full swing, and of course, we are rooting for Britain’s number one women’s tennis player. Before the championships, we caught up with Katie Boulter to talk about all things tennis, on-court style, her favourite London spots and her partnership with Lexus.
It’s been a year since you became Britain’s highest-ranked women’s tennis player. How does it feel to be at the #1 spot a year in?
Obviously, it’s a privilege and it has been a full year which has gone so quickly. I am grateful to still be in this spot, but at the same time, I do feel like I have more aspirations and bigger things that I want to achieve in my career. I want to keep pushing my ranking up and get higher up the ceiling every single time that I play, so naturally for me, I do focus a lot more on that, than being British number one. But I do appreciate what a big moment that is for me at the same time and I don’t take it for granted.
You’ve reached an all-time career high of Top 30. With Wimbledon here, what’s the next big goal you’re set on achieving?
This is definitely something I will be having a chat with my team after Wimbledon. I feel like I’ve established myself in this position now and I really want to push for bigger things. Obviously, a lot of that is based on me working hard every single day, doing the right things with my team, trying to push my number down even more and get closer to single figures, but there’s a long way to go and a lot of work to be done. But at the same time, I feel like I’m going in the right direction.
If I can keep believing and working hard, I can get there.
Do you feel like there’s been an increase in interest in women’s tennis lately?
There’s definitely been a lot more people interested in women’s tennis, especially in the UK. I think to see women coming through and doing well makes a huge difference. It’s really nice to see little girls and boys pick up tennis rackets and be a part of something special – something that I hold close to my heart – and have a passion for the game. It is like no other and it’s nice to share it with other people who love the game.
Any person/people in particular you enjoy playing tennis with? Family, friends or perhaps a player you love playing against in tournaments?
If I was to play tennis with someone, it would always be my family. Many times I’ve been on court with my grandpa and it’s always going to be my favourite – going to Leicester City Lawn Tennis Club and playing on the synthetic grass, enjoying the moment. One of the biggest things is being surrounded by the best people – laughing and having fun is when I enjoy it. Secondly, I have played mixed doubles and Wimbledon with my boyfriend and that was probably one of the most enjoyable things for me, as gross as that sounds.
One of the biggest things is being surrounded by the best people – laughing and having fun is when I enjoy it.
Apart from tennis, what do you like to do? Any secret talents or new hobbies?
There’s a few things I like to do obviously to try and get away from tennis and I think it is very important to give your mind a break. I have recently got a new Lexus and often feel at peace when in the car driving. I do try and keep a few rituals on the road where I’m reading a certain amount a day or going for walks exploring new cities and finding new things to do.
For me I think it’s super interesting immersing myself in a different culture, and it’s one of the joys of travelling.
Travelling is a big part of the pro tennis player lifestyle. Could you tell us what you always have in your bag when you’re travelling?
I always carry my little piece of glass that my grandpa gave me. I always have that with me. I always have gels which are part of my on-court routine, along with my hydration. I always have tennis rackets, that’s a good start! I have a bag of tricks which I have to use in the gym, including a little powerball which I’ve introduced recently to work on strengthening my wrists. I always have my jewellery in my bag which I take on and off when I’m playing.
I always carry my little piece of glass that my grandpa gave me.
Do you have any favourite London spots that you love to visit?
I go to Demitasse with my team a lot during the year and always during Wimbledon. I do have a lot of little places that I like to go – we’ve got a nearby pub close to home which we like to go to on any given night, which is such a fun culture to be a part of. It’s one of the many reasons I love being British.
Tennis is in the spotlight these days not just for the sport, but for the fashion. Can you describe your match-day style?
My match-day style is always going to be with Nike. I’m a huge lover of the brand. I’ve been with them way over 10 years now and I have always enjoyed working with the team, looking at different styles I’ll be wearing and ways that I can pair things that they give me, so I am a huge fan of wearing one of my favourite brands off the court. I do enjoy wearing a bunch of other things but mainly the combination is Nike or Aligne.
My match-day style is always going to be with Nike. I’m a huge lover of the brand.
Did you watch Challengers – and if you did, any opinions or favourite scenes?
I have watched Challengers – Zendaya is one of my favourite actresses of all time, so I respect her a lot – how she put herself in a completely different position where she probably hadn’t played much tennis and immersed herself in the sport and then found a way to pull off being a professional tennis player. I think that’s such a skill to be able to do that without any previous training – that’s something that not many people can do, so I have a lot of respect for what she did. It was a great movie.
You signed on as Lexus Brand Ambassador last year – what makes Lexus the perfect match for you?
Yes, I have been a Lexus brand ambassador for the last year. I feel like I try and emulate a lot with the brand – I like to be powerful, especially on the court, but also having an electric car with zero emissions from the tailpipe makes all the difference for me. I feel like I’m helping the environment and doing my part. Even though it’s a small part, I feel like I’m trying to do something.
I like to be powerful, especially on the court, but also having an electric car with zero emissions from the tailpipe makes all the difference for me.
