British tennis star Katie Boulter opens up about romance with Aussie ace Alex de Minaur

British tennis star Katie Boulter has opened up about her relationship with Aussie player Alex de Minaur and explained why Melbourne is a special place for the pair.

British tennis star Katie Boulter has opened up about her relationship with Aussie ace Alex de Minaur, saying the pair has inspired each other to reach new heights.

Boulter said it’s been a privilege to be part of the “circus” surrounding the local hope who she said deserved all his success in cracking the top 10 for the first time. She also hit a career high ranking in the top 50 in September last year.

“It’s definitely been fun to be a part of because it’s been a little bit of a circus, but a good circus,’’ Boulter said.

Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter

“I think it’s awesome he’s getting the attention that he really does deserve. He’s put the work in for it and he’s playing some of the best tennis of his life and it really does fill me with a lot of pride to watch him at this moment because I know everything he’s been through and how hard and how strong he is with everything he does.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch and be a part of it at the same time and I’ll continue to support him with everything that he does no matter the good and the bad.”

Boulter said she felt like she was sharing de Minaur with the entire country but admired how he was handling the attention.

De Minaur revealed Melbourne is a special place for the couple as it’s where they had their first coffee date, opposite the Ovolo South Yarra, the hotel where they stay while in town.

“It was a good first date that’s for sure,’’ de Minaur said.

Alex de Minaur explained Melbourne was where the couple had their first date.

Boulter smiled: “There are a lot of good memories in that area.

“It’s really hard to describe (at the moment).

“I can’t walk down the street with him separately, I feel like I’m sharing him with everyone which isn’t a bad thing but it’s a lot. He’s handled it a lot of his career and he knows how to deal with it and I’m right there next to him.

“I feel like we’ve set up a very positive environment, it’s showing right now. Of course there’s going to be a little bit of an ebb and flow, where sometimes we’re doing great, sometimes we’re not.

“I think he’s really rubbed off on me in so many different ways. The way that he holds himself, the way that he works, just having his expertise on the side it’s great for me because it’s a support.”

Katie Boulter said her partner de Minaur was getting the attention he deserves. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

“It’s someone I can talk about anything including everything to do with my career and to have that extra support it does make a huge difference and I feel like it’s showing. It’s been quite a few years since we’ve been together and we’ve built up a really fun, positive environment and it looks like it’s working at the moment so hopefully we can continue that and I hope I’m rubbing off on him too. He’s a great guy and I’m very lucky to have that.”

Britain's Katie Boulter and Australia's Alex De Minaur. Picture: AFP

Boulter believes De Minaur, seeded 10, can go far in the tournament.

“Ultimately you’re only as good as your last win and I know he prides himself off his wins and his losses strongly,’’ she said.

“I don’t want to talk for him because he can talk for himself but he’s playing some great tennis going into this year and I’m sure he expects himself to come out and fight and do what he’s done his whole entire career. Either way he’s had an incredible start to the year and I’m sure the rest of the year is going to be even better.

“For me, I felt like I really wanted to push on this year and get into the really top level of tennis. I feel like I can do it... I feel like I’m playing the best tennis I ever have. The work I’ve been putting in has given me a great platform to push on. Now it takes a lot of belief and even more hard work.”