Katie Boulter’s win at the 2025 Australian Open has served up a slice of British history at the maiden Grand Slam event of the year.
Boulter beat her Canadian counterpart Rebecca Marino 6-4 3-6 7-5 during Tuesday’s clash to ensure her place in the second round of the tournament.
Fellow Brits who also enjoyed opening round victories Down Under include Emma Raducanu, Harriet Dart, Jodie Burrage, Jack Draper and Jacob Fearnley.
The latter was perhaps the star of the show after he knocked out home favourite Nick Kyrgios in a surprising victory at Melbourne Park.
However, Boulter’s triumph ensured history was made for the participating Brits. For the first time ever, six tennis stars playing under the Union Jack flag have advanced to round 2.
KATIE BOULTER DIGS DEEP TO REACH ROUND 2 ❤️🔥#BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/xudKu5kfvN
— LTA (@the_LTA) January 14, 2025
Katie Boulter Beats Rebecca Marino
“That was way too stressful for me. I would have preferred a much easier match. Literally, it was because of you guys [Australian Open fans] I got through this match, I really appreciate it,” Boulter told reporters.
“That was massively a mental challenge for me. I’ve been playing great tennis on the practice court, and I’ve been trying to put that on the match court but when you force it, it doesn’t work as I found out tonight.
“She played great and sometimes these round one matches are just about getting through. I’ve never felt more at home than here.
“I’m always striving for more. I had a good year last year and I feel I can improve my game much more. Hopefully you’re going to see more and more of me this year.”
Helping Boulter roar to victory was Aussie star and fiance Alex de Minaur. The 25-year-old was in the crowd supporting his partner during the match.
For now, Boulter surely won’t need to remind her husband-to-be about how she has stolen all the headlines in the early stages of the first major of the year.
