'It was really nice': Katie Boulter opens up about 'weird' experience of playing in front of fiance Alex de Minaur at Queen's Club Championship

Katie Boulter shares her feelings after being watched by her fiancé during the Queen’s Club Championship. The 28-year-old cemented her spot in the second round of competition after beating Ajla Tomljanovic in the round of 32 with a score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-4.

During her win, Boulter had a special person sitting in the stands, her fiancé Alex de Minaur. She was quoted in a report by the English media outlet Daily Express, where she stated that it was ‘weird’ to play in front of the 26-year-old. “It was weird, actually,” she said. “It was really nice. Yeah, it was great, because I have such fond memories of watching him.”

Boulter then went on to explain how special it was to play in the competition, where, for the first time, women’s events are taking place at the same time as men’s. “I think every time I have come down here, it's, like, the epitome of British, quintessential British life, and it's so nice to see everyone out here enjoying themselves, watching tennis, getting behind the tradition, and I was one of those people as a fan,” she said. “I find I really enjoy the sport when I'm watching. Obviously I have my own connection with Alex, which is another one on top of just coming down here and watching sport, but yeah, to have him in my box today, it meant a lot to me. And the fact he was able to been here, which he wasn't meant to be, it meant a little bit more on top of that. Yeah, it was a little nice little role reversal for once, and hopefully he can be there for many more.”

Boulter will face Diana Shnaider in the round of 16. The 21-year-old defeated Magdalena Frech in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-1. This will be the second meeting between the players. In the previous meeting, which was in the final of the WTA 250 event in Hong Kong in 2024, Shnaider came out on top in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-2.