Katie Boulter's heartwarming message for Alex de Minaur after epic United Cup feat
The girlfriend of Alex de Minaur was also his rival only a couple of weeks ago.
Alex de Minaur achieved a dream of entering the World top 10 after his latest United Cup victory and partner Katie Boulter sent the Aussie a heartwarming message for his achievement. Boulter, who is currently playing qualifiers in the Adelaide International, watched on as de Minaur defeated Alexander Zverev in a three-set thriller to put Australia level with Germany in the tie.
De Minaur will enter the Australian Open in career best form having defeated three top 10 players in his nation's run to the semi-final. The 24-year-old defeated Taylor Fritz, World No.1 Novak Djokovic and Zverev before Australia eventually lost to Germany in the doubles.
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However, his form at the back-end of 2023 on the hard courts and his early season run has seen him become the first Aussie male since Lleyton Hewitt to enter the top 10 rankings. De Minaur has earned praise from the tennis world as he continues to defy the critics and pile up wins against the game's best players.
And Boulter has taken time to praise her partner after de Minaur admitted his goal is to climb even higher as he develops as a tennis player. "No person deserves it more than this man. Only just the beginning," the British tennis player wrote.
De Minaur and Boulter turned rivals for a day back in December when Great Britain defeated Australia in the opening round of the United Cup. De Minaur lost his opening match to Cameron Norrie, which triggered he his dream run of victories.
Boulter defeated Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic to win the tie 2-1 after Australia won the doubles. However, Australia's victory over the US - after Great Britain's loss - meant the host nation advanced. Australia's dream run came to an end against Germany when the tie was decided in a late-night doubles encounter.
Germany will play Poland in the final. Regardless, Boulter was thrilled for her partner as Australia hopes de Minaur can make a huge push into the second week at Melbourne Park.
No Iām not emotional š„¹š no person deserves it more than this man š„ Only just the beginning. https://t.co/MjUA9bsK81
ā Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) January 6, 2024
Alex de Minaur silences doubters at United Cup
When the new rankings are released, De Minaur will become the first Aussie male player to enter the top 10 in the world since Hewitt in 2006. Hewitt is Australia's United Cup team captain and watched on as the 24-year-old Sydney star produced some of the best tennis in his career.
De Minaur isn't satisfied with just entering the top 10 rankings, but for now was thrilled with his achievement ahead of the Australian Open. "I was able to really step it up after my first match and get that confidence and it's great getting these matches before the Australian Open," de Minaur said. "It was very special and it's a moment I'll cherish forever.
"I see all the reasons why I'm not going to be a good player, why I'm not going to make it or why I'm not going to improve. I store it in the back of my head, and I use it as motivation. Ultimately, it's my drive that has put me in this position and I want to get the absolute most out of myself."
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