NEW YORK — Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur has playfully taken a jab at his rivals while confirming his plans to team up with fiancée Katie Boulter in mixed doubles at the upcoming US Open. The couple, both ranked in the ATP and WTA top 50, are eager to showcase their chemistry on the court after successful individual seasons.
De Minaur’s Lighthearted Dig at Opponents
During a press conference at the Western & Southern Open, de Minaur couldn’t resist teasing fellow players about their mixed doubles partnerships. "Some of these guys claim they’ve got great chemistry with their partners—well, let’s see how they handle real pressure when Katie and I step out there," he joked, drawing laughter from reporters.
The world No. 12 emphasized that their on-court dynamic would be hard to match: "We’ve been training together for years, know each other’s games inside out, and let’s just say we communicate better than most teams—both on and off the court."
A Power Couple’s Ascent
2024 has been a breakthrough year for both players:
- De Minaur reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open
- Boulter cracked the WTA top 30 after winning her second career title in San Diego
- The couple became engaged during the European clay court season
Boulter, currently ranked No. 27, told The Guardian: "Playing together at a Slam has been our dream since we started dating. We’ve done it at smaller tournaments, but the US Open feels like the perfect stage—energetic crowds, night matches, everything we love about tennis."
Tactical Advantages
Complementary Playing Styles
Analysts note their games mesh exceptionally well for mixed doubles. De Minaur’s lightning speed and defensive skills pair perfectly with Boulter’s aggressive baseline power. Former doubles champion Rennae Stubbs observed: "Alex covers so much court that Katie can really unload on her forehand without worrying about getting exposed. It’s an ideal combination."
Mental Edge
Their relationship provides another dimension. As de Minaur explained: "When things get tight, we don’t need to fake positivity—we genuinely lift each other up. That authenticity is rare in temporary mixed doubles pairings."
Tournament Expectations
The US Open mixed doubles draw begins August 28th. While they haven’t confirmed which other events they’ll play together, insiders suggest they may continue through the Asian swing. Their schedule could include:
- Potential wildcard entry at the Australian Open 2025
- Olympic consideration for Team GB (Boulter) and Australia (de Minaur)
- Exhibition matches during the offseason
When asked about their competitive goals, Boulter kept expectations realistic but ambitious: "We’re not just doing this for fun—we want to win matches. If we play our best, I truly believe we can challenge for the title."
Rival Reactions
The announcement has drawn mixed responses from other players. While most praised the couple’s initiative, some questioned whether their relationship could become a distraction. World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev quipped: "At least when they argue, they can’t blame their partner’s girlfriend or boyfriend."
Defending US Open mixed doubles champion Jessica Pegula offered support: "It’s great for the sport when high-profile singles players commit to doubles. They’ll bring new fans and energy to the event."
Conclusion
As the tennis world anticipates this unique pairing, one thing is certain: de Minaur and Boulter will bring unprecedented chemistry to Flushing Meadows. Whether they lift the trophy or not, their participation signals a growing trend of top singles players embracing doubles—and doing it on their own terms.
The couple’s final words to critics? De Minaur grinned: "Save your bets for someone else—we’ve got this." With their combined talent and competitive fire, few would doubt them.