Katie Boulter once admitted, “I’ve always known clay is going to be my toughest surface but I never really gave myself the chance to play well on it and build on it.” Well, that narrative began to shift when she notched her 1st-ever WTA Tour clay-court victory at 28, defeating Katerina Siniakova to reach the Madrid Open’s 2nd round. Though her journey on clay hit speed bumps with early exits in Madrid and Rome, Boulter has now turned the tide, lifting her maiden clay-court trophy. And guess what? Danielle Collins is here for it! The American star simply can’t get enough of Boulter’s gritty clay breakthrough. Curious to know what she said?
Katie Boulter has rewritten her clay-court story in style, capturing her 1st title on the surface at the Paris Trophée Clarins 125K series tournament. The British star bounced back with a vengeance after a disappointing first-round exit at the Italian Open. Seeded 2nd, Boulter launched a commanding campaign, starting with a confident win over Erika Andreeva, followed by a solid performance against Daria Saville. She then swept aside Elsa Jacquemot and Varvara Gracheva before clinching the title with a victory over Frenchwoman Chloé Paquet. It was a breakthrough moment, and who better to cheer her on than Danielle Collins, affectionately known as Danimal!
Boulter commemorated the milestone with a celebratory IG post that showcased the journey. She shared a carousel of photos with the caption, “CLAAAYYYTIEEE. Title on every surface say whaaat ”. In the 1st image, she proudly posed with the trophy; the next few featured joyful moments with her team and a grateful wave to the fans. A particularly heartwarming highlight came in the 4th picture, where her beloved, Alex de Minaur, appeared on a FaceTime call, offering virtual support from afar. The final snapshots captured her triumphant moment at the presentation ceremony, surrounded by her trusted team. Among the many reactions, one stood out: Danielle Collins said, “A true ”, saluting her fellow competitor’s grit and growth.
The path hasn’t been smooth for Boulter in 2025. Despite reaching the final in Hong Kong at the season’s start, consistency had eluded her as she hadn’t managed to win back-to-back matches since. For a player coming off a solid 2024, something needed to change. Committing to clay wasn’t the easiest decision, especially given her pre-professional win rate of just 57% on the surface, compared to 60% on grass and 59% on hard courts. But this title marks a crucial pivot in her journey and perhaps not toward Roland Garros glory just yet, but toward broader, long-term success.
Now basking in the glow of her clay triumph, Boulter can count on unwavering support from those closest to her. Alongside the ever-enthusiastic Collins, it’s her partner, Alex de Minaur, who’s remained a steady source of encouragement throughout her highs and lows.
Alex de Minaur Playfully Teases Partner Katie Boulter Following Her Stunning Clay-Court Success
The Aussie Alex De Minaur and fiancée Katie Boulter continue to show the world that a shared sense of humor is key to a strong relationship, especially in the high-pressure world of professional tennis. After his 4th-round win over American Alex Michelsen at the AO, De Minaur lightened the mood with a cheeky remark to former pro Laura Robson: “When I’m on the court, and you see me so stressed out, I’m just thinking of the wedding budget.” The crowd erupted in laughter, offering a glimpse into the Aussie’s playful personality and the couple’s fun dynamic, even during intense moments.
Their spirited banter isn’t reserved for interviews, as it often plays out across social media. After Boulter’s gritty 3-set win over French qualifier Elsa Jacquemot to reach the SF in Paris, she posted a photo with the caption: “Me and this red stuff are very very slowly becoming friends .” Of course, De Minaur couldn’t resist poking fun. He jumped into the comments with, “Ohhhhhh Fwwwwwieeeeeeends,” turning her new bond with Clay into a lighthearted joke.
Following Boulter’s latest triumph in the final against Chloé Paquet, her first-ever clay court title, De Minaur once again proudly cheered her on. He reshared an ITA post announcing the win, writing: “Champion in Paris!!! , Katie beats Chloe Paquet 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 to claim her first clay court title at the WTA 125 Trophée Clarins.” He added his signature flair with a jubilant, “LFG!!!!!” and a hilarious follow-up: “Did someone say clay court specialist??!! ” On Katie’s IG post, he added, “we love the clay now .”
Next, the Brit top seed sets her sights on Roland Garros, where she suffered a 1st-round exit last year. With her recent title boosting both confidence and form, there’s growing excitement around whether she can turn her clay-court fortunes around and make a deeper run in Paris. Can she go deep into the tournament this time?
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