PARIS — Katie Boulter’s emotional reaction to boyfriend Alex de Minaur’s French Open loss was captured in a touching behind-the-scenes moment, as the British No. 1 consoled her Australian partner after his grueling five-set defeat to Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff.
The couple, one of tennis’s most high-profile pairings, shared a heartfelt embrace in the players’ area following de Minaur’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4 exit in the third round. Boulter, who had earlier secured her own victory over China’s Wang Xiyu, was seen offering words of encouragement to a visibly exhausted de Minaur. "She just told me to keep my head up," de Minaur later revealed in his post-match press conference.
A Tough Battle on Court
De Minaur’s match against Struff was a brutal three-hour, 47-minute marathon, testing both players physically and mentally. The Australian, known for his relentless speed and fighting spirit, saved multiple break points in the fifth set but ultimately fell short against the powerful German. "It’s one of those matches that could have gone either way," de Minaur admitted.
Boulter, watching from the stands, was seen visibly wincing during key moments, her reactions mirroring the tension on court. The 27-year-old, who has been dating de Minaur since 2021, has often spoken about the challenges of supporting each other while competing at the highest level. "It’s never easy watching someone you love go through that kind of battle," she said in a recent interview.
The Power Couple’s Rise
Boulter and de Minaur have become fan favorites, not just for their on-court performances but also for their supportive dynamic off the court. Their relationship has flourished alongside their careers, with both players reaching career-high rankings in 2024:
- Boulter broke into the WTA Top 30 after her strong grass-court season.
- De Minaur climbed to a career-best No. 9 in the ATP rankings earlier this year.
Fan Reactions
Social media erupted with admiration for the couple’s display of solidarity. One fan tweeted, "Katie Boulter consoling Alex de Minaur after his loss is the purest thing I’ve seen today. Tennis is brutal, but love makes it bearable." Others praised their ability to balance competition with unwavering support for one another.
Looking Ahead
While de Minaur’s Roland Garros campaign ended earlier than hoped, Boulter remains in contention, with her eyes set on a deep run. The British star, who has been vocal about her ambitions on clay, faces a tough next opponent but remains optimistic. "I’m taking it one match at a time, but I believe in my game," she said.
As for de Minaur, he’s already shifting focus to the grass-court season, where he’s historically performed well. "This one hurts, but I’ll learn from it and come back stronger," he vowed.
The couple’s ability to navigate the highs and lows of professional tennis together continues to inspire fans worldwide. Whether celebrating victories or consoling defeats, Boulter and de Minaur prove that love and sport can coexist beautifully.
"At the end of the day, we’re each other’s biggest supporters," Boulter said. "That’s what matters most."