Interview
How Katie Boulter’s first title in four years is spurring her on to reach new heights
Years of hard work and resilience paid off for Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup star Katie Boulter earlier this month, after she lifted her sixth career title at the W60 Grenoble.
Boulter sealed her first singles trophy since 2018 with a series of impressive wins – including two former world top 70 players – against Stefanie Voegele, Daniela Vismane, Martina Trevisan, Tatjana Maria and eighth seed Anna Blinkova in the final.
“For me it’s only the start – I’m really happy about this week but I’ve also got many more to do and I’ve got lots of goals in mind,” said the 25-year-old Brit following her victory in France.
Having broken into the world’s top 100, an injury set-back in 2019 meant that Boulter spent nine months away from the game and suffered further setbacks on her way to recovery.
But in 2021, Boulter showed signs she was starting to return to her best – reaching the quarter-finals in Nottingham, as well as impressive performances at Melbourne, Wimbledon and the Billie Jean King Cup playoff against Mexico.
Having now added another ITF title to her list of achievements, Boulter reflected on her journey back from injury and what makes her the player she is.
“I’ve had a really tough few years with a lot of adversity and to actually come back out here and to know that I can win a tournament means a lot to me.
“I think one of my biggest attributes is that I’m a fighter – I’m still standing and I’m still here. I’ve been through a lot but it only makes you stronger and I’m glad I could come out and play some really good tennis after all of it.
“I think it’s important you just stay in the process and you’ll get through it if it’s step-by-step and not to look too far ahead.”
With the taste of title success still fresh, Boulter has set her sights on returning to the top of the sport.
“My plans for the rest of the year are to hopefully win a lot more matches and tournaments,” she said.
“I’m just looking forward to doing the same thing, staying in the process, working really hard every single day and putting myself on the line – that’s all I can ask of myself.
“My main goal is to get my ranking back up and to push on from there because I’m playing some very good tennis and I know I can do it – it’s just believing in myself.”