British ace Katie Boulter has been in top form this season compared to her previous two seasons, where she struggled with injuries and fitness level. To keep going for more wins and titles this season, she reveals the groundwork for her recent success, pointing to her new fitness trainer as the major influence.
For context, for the majority of the 2023 season, Boulter featured in the ITF Women’s Circuit, skipping many WTA tournaments for its second division tournament. Despite winning the Nottingham Open, she managed to finish the year-end as No. 50 in the WTA rankings.
Katie Boutler (Image via: Imago)
However, this year, the 27-year-old has experienced a contrasting season from her previous year. She defeated Jessica Pegula in the United Cup to earn her first Top 5 win of the year. She also shockingly defeated Marta Kostyuk to win the San Diego Open final last month. However, the groundwork for her success was laid after hiring Andy Murray’s fitness trainer, Matt Little.
Speaking to the WTA Insider podcast, Boulter admitted that her new fitness coach positioned her to focus on tennis-specific training to take her game to a new level.
I think it's made a massive difference to my game. I can see it day in, day out. I see it in my strength out the corners. I see it in so many small little things that are ultimately helping me win these matches.Katie Boutler said
Now, the tennis professional will be aiming for more wins this season as the WTA enters its clay swing. Meanwhile, she is on national duty with the British team as they take on France in the Billie Jean King Cup.
Katie Boulter is confident that her fitness level will help her perform well in the clay season
Katie Boulter has admitted that her new fitness level has given her the confidence to compete in the clay season. The British star, who had always avoided the clay season for injury worries, is now excited about the new challenge.
I think it's something fresh, something exciting for me. Most players would have played on the dirt and enjoyed it and probably got quite a few points to defend, and I'm going to come out there and swing. So naturally for me, I don't have anything to to lose. I really am looking forward to it. I think it's very physical and I'm going to show the physical gains that I've really put in the work for.Katie Boutler said Speaking to Wta Insider podcast
The two major WTA clay tournaments this month are the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and Madrid Open. The 27-year-old will be hoping to perform well in both events.
