Jelena Dokic Advises Aussie Katie Boulter After Major Rankings Drop

Katie Boulter, a rising star in tennis, recently faced a significant setback. After achieving a career-high ranking of No. 23 in late 2024, she plummeted to No. 113 within a year. With the Australian Open approaching, her participation seemed uncertain.

Boulter’s drastic drop prompted concerns about her entry into the tournament. Initially, she prepared for the qualifiers, hoping to join her fiancé, Alex de Minaur, in the main draw. Fortunately for Boulter, last-minute withdrawals from players allowed her to secure a spot in the competition.

Jelena Dokic’s Insight on Boulter’s Struggles

Australian tennis great Jelena Dokic provided valuable advice to Boulter. She noted Boulter’s struggles over the past year, emphasizing how injuries and pressure may have affected her performance. According to Dokic, the key for Boulter lies in rebuilding her confidence.

• Last year, Boulter faced immense pressure to secure a top-20 spot.
• She lost confidence through early defeats, impacting her rankings.
• Changing her coach from Biljana Veselinovic to Michael Joyce aims to realign her game.

Boulter’s Upcoming Match

Boulter’s first-round match is against Swiss player Belinda Bencic, who is currently ranked No. 10. Bencic is recognized for her recent victories, including defeating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek. Boulter hopes to progress beyond this challenging matchup and reach the second round.

Strategic Advice for Boulter

Dokic suggests that Boulter should participate in smaller tournaments outside of Grand Slams to regain her confidence. This approach could help her secure more match victories and gradually restore her ranking. She possesses the tools needed for success, including a powerful forehand and serve.

As Boulter prepares for her clash against Bencic, the support from her fiancé, de Minaur, will be vital. As he progresses in the tournament, his presence in the stands may provide additional motivation for her performance.