Alex de Minaur 'embarrassed' by Katie Boulter amid lovely scenes after tennis triumph
The tennis couple had the crowd swooning after the lovely moment in the title presentation.
Katie Boulter stunned the tennis world to win her maiden WTA 500 event, following partner Alex de Minaur's triumph in Acapulco, and the British superstar couldn't help but 'embarrass' her Aussie boyfriend. De Minaur opted to forego his celebrations after defeating Casper Ruud in the Mexico Open final to fly from Acapulco to California to watch his girlfriend Boulter beat Marta Kostyuk 5-7 6-2 6-2 in the San Diego Open final.
Boulter had never reached a quarter-final of a WTA 500 event, but she went all the way to lift the biggest trophy of her career. The 27-year-old was all smiles after her victory and couldn't help but share some special praise for the World No.10 watching on in the stands.
"I want to say a small, special, thank you to my boyfriend," Boulter said as the crowd cheered. "He finished last night at midnight and I really want to embarrass him. He got on a 4.15am taxi and a 6am flight to be here today. So I do appreciate it."
Boulter was all smiles during the kind words, as was de Minaur, with the Aussie momentarily burying his head due to the praise. The moment comes after de Minaur said he would drop everything to make Boulter's first final a day earlier.
They are SO adorable
— Kristin Van Weele (@kvanweele) March 4, 2024
De Minaur was asked: "There's a big party later on, are we going to see you there?" And the Aussie left fans swooning over his response as he admitted his priority was his partner.
"You know what I cannot because I've got a 6am flight to go to watch Katie play in the final. I'm looking forward to that," he said with a smile. Tennis fans loved the moment between the pair and praised their attitude on the tour.
What a brilliant week. Superb effort Katie. And to Alex too.
— Richard Grummitt (@thelastfling) March 4, 2024
This is cute 🥺
— BeverlyAMG (@beverlys_face) March 4, 2024
How sweet! A couple that actually wins titles 🤭
— GiGi (@gigifrems) March 4, 2024
Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter in brilliant starts to 2024
De Minaur was able to retain his top 10 ranking this week having successfully defended his title. He also became just the third male to defend the Acapulco title. His ranking will put him in good stead heading into Indian Wells this week, which is considered the 'fifth major'. The Aussie has been in tremendous form to start 2024 having moved to 15-4 with huge top 10 wins so far.
The Aussie has defeated Taylor Fritz, Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud already this year. A deep run at Indian Wells can also secure him a career-high ranking. It's been an amazing week," de Minaur said. "It's probably a week I didn't really expect. I came into Mexico not feeling my best and just kept telling myself to keep giving myself chances.
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"I think today I played my best match of the tournament by far. Acapulco has been a very good place for me and my tennis career - first time I've won an ATP 500, first time I've defended a title in my career. I feel at home here." While de Minaur continues the best start to his tennis career, Boulter does as well.
Following her impressive comeback win in San Diego, upsetting Australian Open quarter-finalist Kostyuk, Boulter will be ranked inside the top 30 for the first time when the rankings are updated tomorrow.
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