Katie Boulter faced a stressful start to her Australian Open after learning that she made it into the main draw at the 11th hour. The British No.4 was expected to go through qualifying after dropping outside of the top 100 and was even placed in the draw. But Boulter was quickly taken out when she got into the main field following several withdrawals.

The world No.113 said: “I just did my best to kind of focus on what I was doing, trying not to think too much about whether I was going to get in or out and just preparing for the Monday. I think I did a pretty good job of that, but don’t get me wrong, it’s been pretty stressful.

“I found out literally after the draw came out around 5pm [on Sunday]. Dino texted me saying that someone pulled out. I think that was a pretty tough day in terms of just trying to keep straight and not think too much. Yeah, I mean, it worked out eventually.”

Boulter initially failed to make the entry cut for the Australian Open, but could have played a smaller tournament in December to fight for extra ranking points.

Now, the Brit wants the WTA Tour to implement a rule that would see the end-of-season rankings in November used for Australian Open entry lists – something the ATP just introduced.

She explained: “This is something that I really think that I think the WTA can maybe help out a little bit more on. I think I noticed that the ATP have a final cut for the first time, this year on a certain date.

“I feel like the WTA should maybe follow that, because I’m kind of there, middle of my pre-season, wondering whether I should be going to play, because other people are playing. I think that’s quite unsettling. It also really doesn’t give a chance for the players to get a proper pre-season in.”

Boulter is now hoping to wipe the slate clean in 2026 after struggling with injuries and loss of form last year – and she has a new coach in her corner, Michael Joyce.

After linking up at the end of last year, Boulter said: “I feel like it’s going well at the moment. I think we’re all quite calm, which really helps because I’ve got that energy around me, which is important for me as a tennis player. I think everything is going well, and just really looking to build on what we’ve started.”

And Boulter has another thing to look forward to this year – her wedding with world No.6 Alex de Minaur. “It felt good to kind of enter a new year. I mean, I’ve said this already like 100 times this year. I’m getting married this year,” she smiled.

“It’s going to be an unbelievable year, one of the best ones in my life, no matter what happens on the tennis court. I think for me that’s already given me a positive push.”