Katie Boulter's Olympic ambition: “I hope to be that person one day”

Sunday, 21 July 2024 at 07:00

Katie Boulter confessed that participating in the Olympic Games has been a dream since she was a child. The Brit No. 1 has found the best form of her career: she won the Rothesay Nottingham Open back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, in addition to her first WTA 500 title at the San Diego Open, which saw her break into the top 30 of the WTA Rankings for the first time.

The 27-year-old player has also been crucial in the Billie Jean King Cup, winning both her matches against Sweden in 2023 to secure a 3-1 Play-offs victory. Then, in April this year, she won a key match against Clara Burel to give Great Britain another agonisingly close triumph over France, earning her nation a place in the Finals.

From childhood aspiration to Paris 2024

While Boulter has been pivotal in representing Great Britain in international tournaments, she has never achieved the status she now holds with three titles in just over a year. In fact, until mid-2023, Boulter had not yet broken into the top 100 after a decade-long career.

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Her new ranking position secured her a spot in the Olympic Games as the only British woman competing in singles, while she will partner with Heather Watson in doubles. On the men's side, Great Britain will have Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, and Andy Murray in singles, along with Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski in doubles.

Boulter reflected on her first time representing the British team in an interview with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA): “I got a phone call from the Head of Women’s Tennis (Iain Bates) and he called me to let me know that I was going to be in the team,” Boulter said.

“I was walking down the street in Loughborough, and I screamed a little bit too loud, so a few people looked at me a little bit strange. I still remember it; it’s going to be a special moment. I’m really looking forward to it and putting on the flag - it’s going to be so fun to be a part of.”

Katie Boulter at 2022 US Open

The current world No. 33 already tested her partnership with Watson at the recent French Open, where they were defeated by the 12th seeds Veronika Kudermetova and Chan Hao-ching. “I’ve spoken to Hev (Heather Watson) quite a bit, Laura Robson obviously as well (Olympic silver medallist in the mixed doubles) - a fair few of them (the team).”

“For them, they’re special moments in their careers and I really look forward to being a part of that. It’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was a little girl. I really hope I can share it with them as well. I know Laura might be going over there (to Paris) so I should have some girls there which is going to be super fun but obviously the boys will all be there too in their best form I’m sure.”

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“I’m not sure what it is but it always brings the best out of me (competing for Great Britain). I’m not sure why but I feel like I pick the team up and they’re with me and playing every point with me,” Katie Boulter added. “I never take that for granted and I love wearing the colours, I’m one of those people that got inspired as a young girl watching the Olympics and watching the British people do extremely well and I hope to be that person one day.”