Following the passing of her grandma two days prior, Katie Boulter’s family and boyfriend have expressed their joy at the British player’s victory at Wimbledon.
After yesterday’s victory, the 25-year-old player from Leicester admitted she was “shaking” and gave an impassioned speech on Center Court about her grandma, Jill.
Sue Boulter, her mother, was pictured beaming with pleasure as she watched her daughter defeat Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic in the second round match from the players’ box, amid cheers and many emotional tears from the crowd.
Sue Boulter said the next day that her entire family was pleased with how her daughter “continues to deal with whatever is thrown in her path.”
She said: ‘The whole family is so proud of the way Katie performed yesterday and how she continues to deal with whatever is thrown in her path.
‘It goes without saying we will be supporting her all the way.’
After defeating fellow Brit Jack Draper last evening, Boulter’s partner and another Wimbledon competitor Alex De Minaur of Sydney also praised her achievement.
The top men’s player in Australia told journalists: ‘What she was able to do today was an amazing effort.
‘I mean, under all the circumstances, you know, she got out there on Centre Court, and beaten last year’s runner-up.
‘So I think that’s pretty special. I’m just stoked for her. You know, this is her home slam. She gets to enjoy it.
‘I know she was a little bit nervous going in, but, you know, she’s gone out and put on a brilliant performance.
‘For me, more than anything, I just loved to see her back.
‘You know, I think this is back where she belongs, and in no time she will be even higher than ever.
‘I think she’s got an incredible level, and she’s been showing it all this grass season. I’m very proud of her.’
Tennis enthusiast Hillary, 68, said that Boulter’s deceased grandmother had taught her geography at a high school in Leicester decades earlier.
Hillary, who did not want to say too much about Boulter’s family out of respect, said: ‘I’ve met her several times, here (at Wimbledon), her grandmother.
‘She was a lovely, lovely teacher.’