Katie Boulter Is Victorious and Rafael Nadal Is Back!
Locker Room
March 4, 2024
Katie Boulter and Rafael Nadal had the entire tennis world cheering over the weekend.
The improving Brit won San Diego in front of her Aussie boyfriend Alex de Minaur. He had just triumphed in Mexico and barely slept so that he could witness his partner’s special moment.
Meanwhile Rafael Nadal was edged out by reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Netflix Slam in Las Vegas – but it hardly seemed to matter.
The great man is back – complete with flashes of the old brilliance that has brought him twenty-two majors so far.
Katie Boulter and Rafael Nadal would both receive huge welcomes at Wimbledon 2024.
Boulter will surely be there. The prospect of Rafa’s participation in the most prestigious tournament on the tennis calendar would make this year’s Wimbledon even more complete!
Who knows what Nadal will decide in the end? His body will choose his path through his last summer in tennis. We can live in hope that one last trip to Wimbledon becomes possible.
In San Diego, a buoyant Boulter overcame the psychological blow of losing the first set – despite an epic fight against Marta Kostyuk.
But then Katie raised her level and took control to prevail 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. She roared her delight and went over to hug Alex de Minaur as well as her team.
It was as though Boulter simply refused to allow the possibility of her boyfriend’s supportive efforts going unrewarded.
After victory, Katie said of Alex de Minaur’s heart-warming response to his own glory in Acapulco: ‘I’m going to embarrass him now but a special little thanks to my boyfriend.
‘He finished last night at midnight, took a taxi at 4.15 this morning and a six o’clock flight to be here, so I really appreciate it.’
And Alex saw Katie soar to world number 27 – her highest ever ranking – off the back of this success.
It is the second title of 27-year-old Boulter’s career – her previous win having come at Nottingham. But this WTA 500 win is by far the most important.
Katie Boulter may now fancy her chances of reaching the latter stages of Wimbledon 2024. Centre Court will surely be cheering her all the way!
Meanwhile Rafael Nadal will stir just as much emotion at the All England Club if he makes a final appearance.
There’s been a fear Wimbledon might never see him again, after his latest injury setback in January caused the Spaniard to miss the Australian Open.
But considering his time out of the game, he looked sharp and impressive against Alcaraz.
And although he lost the deciding marathon super-breaker, Rafa saved one of several match points with a stunning, trademark forehand pass down the line.
Carlitos will be pleased about his 3-6, 6-4, (14-12) win over his legendary compatriot in raucous Las Vegas. But the tennis world is even happier to see Rafa strutting his stuff once more.
Wimbledon 2024 would provide a fitting stage for brilliant Nadal to conjure one last fortnight of magic on grass. And Boulter is sure to delight!
What matters most right now is that a home-grown star and an all-time great are shining brightly once more.
Wimbledon 2024 awaits one or both!
Will you be there? We can fix you up with tickets for your chosen day(s). Just drop our friendly staff a line.
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