SAN DIEGO — The tennis world’s favorite power couple is riding a wave of success, with Katie Boulter securing her fourth WTA title in a thrilling final at the San Diego Open. The British No. 1 defeated Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in a dramatic comeback victory, showcasing the resilience and powerful baseline game that has become her trademark. The win not only adds another trophy to her cabinet but also propels her to a career-high ranking of World No. 27.
The triumph was made all the sweeter by the presence of her fiancé, Australian star Alex De Minaur, who was courtside cheering her on. In a heartwarming post-match interview, De Minaur, fresh off his own successful title defense in Acapulco, didn’t just celebrate Boulter’s win—he revealed exciting plans for their future, telling reporters, “We’re going to try and build a house with a massive trophy cabinet, that’s the plan.”
A Hard-Fought Victory and a Milestone Title
Boulter’s path to the San Diego title was a testament to her growing confidence and physical fortitude. After a grueling three-set battle against former US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the quarterfinals, she faced the formidable sixth seed, Kostyuk. Dropping a tight first set, Boulter dug deep, leveraging her dominant serve and aggressive forehand to overpower her opponent in the final two sets. “This one is pretty special,” Boulter said during the trophy ceremony.
This victory marks Boulter’s fourth WTA Tour title, all won within the last 12 months—a period of remarkable consistency and breakthrough. Her previous wins came in Nottingham (2023 and 2024) and Austin (2024). The San Diego Open, however, represents her most significant title to date, being a WTA 500 event with a stronger field. Boulter reflected on her journey, stating, “It’s been an amazing year for me. I’ve worked so hard, and to see it pay off like this is a dream.”
De Minaur’s Support and Their "Massive Trophy Cabinet"
The personal narrative surrounding Boulter’s win captivated fans just as much as the tennis. Alex De Minaur, the World No. 10, had flown directly from his title win in Mexico to support his partner. His visible enthusiasm in the player’s box and his charming revelation about their house plans instantly went viral, painting a picture of a couple at the pinnacle of their careers, supporting each other’s ambitions.
De Minaur’s comment about the trophy cabinet was more than a cute soundbite; it was a public affirmation of their shared goals and belief in each other’s potential. “I’m incredibly proud of Katie,” De Minaur elaborated. “She’s put in the work, she’s battled through injuries, and to see her playing at this level and beating top players is amazing.”
The couple, who got engaged in late 2023, now find themselves in a rare and enviable position in professional tennis: both are national No. 1s, both are title winners in 2024, and both are ranked firmly inside the world’s top 30. Their combined success highlights a powerful dynamic of mutual motivation.
Boulter’s Meteoric Rise in 2024
Katie Boulter’s ascent over the past year has been nothing short of spectacular. Once plagued by a stress fracture in her back that saw her ranking plummet outside the top 200, she has rebuilt her game and physique with determination. Her current strengths that led to this title run include:
- A Potent First Serve: Consistently generating free points and setting up short balls.
- Fearless Forehand: Using it as a weapon to dictate rallies from the baseline.
- Improved Movement & Fitness: Allowing her to compete in demanding three-set matches.
- Mental Resilience: Demonstrating a newfound ability to win from behind.
Her coach, Biljana Veselinovic, has praised Boulter’s professionalism and hunger. “Katie’s mindset has changed,” Veselinovic noted recently. “She believes she belongs at the top of the game now, and that belief is showing in every match.”
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
With her new ranking, Boulter is now seeded for major tournaments, offering a more favorable draw path. The win provides a massive confidence boost heading into the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami, followed by the European clay and grass court seasons—where she has historically excelled. The ultimate goal, a deep run at Wimbledon, now seems a tangible possibility.
For De Minaur and Boulter, the logistics of the tour become a fun challenge. Their plan for a “massive trophy cabinet” is a symbolic goal they are already filling at a rapid pace. As they navigate their respective tours, their support system remains rock solid. “We understand the pressures better than anyone,” Boulter said of their relationship.
A New Chapter for British Tennis
Boulter’s success is also a beacon for British tennis. As the clear British No. 1, she leads a promising group of women that includes Raducanu, Jodie Burrage, and Heather Watson. Her consistent performance week-in, week-out provides stability at the top of the game that Britain has craved. The Lawn Tennis Association will undoubtedly see her as a central figure in their plans for Billie Jean King Cup success and inspiring the next generation.
In San Diego, Katie Boulter didn’t just win a tennis tournament; she cemented her status as a top-tier player, celebrated a milestone with her biggest fan, and gave the world a glimpse into a future where both her personal and professional dreams are being built, one trophy at a time. The only question that remains is how quickly they’ll need to expand that planned cabinet.