Katie Boulter described facing Roger Federer as “a daunting experience,” not because she thought something bad of the Swiss but because she feared she maybe wouldn’t do well and that would lead one of the greatest ever have certain opinions about her game.
At the start of the 2019 season, the current top-ranked British female tennis player represented her nation at the Hopman Cup.
In their second match at the event, the British team faced Switzerland and one clash saw Boulter and Cameron Norrie take on Federer and Belinda Bencic in a mixed doubles match.
The Swiss, who were the favorites in that matchup, ended up sealing a straight set 4-3 (4) 4-1 win.
“Actually I got a chance to face Federer. Yeah Roger in Hopman Cup. It was daunting. It was really daunting. I was so excited for it and then the moment that I actually walked out on court I realized I was actually gonna have to play tennis. He’s probably going to judge me but yeah it was really fun,” the 27-year-old recalled during an interview with Sky Sports.
“I faced Federer and it was really DAUNTING!” 😰
Watch ‘Katie Boulter Courtmates’ on our YouTube channel now! 📺 pic.twitter.com/7027vDHXgH
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) December 20, 2024
Boulter had ‘a surreal feeling’ after meeting Federer
Although the current world No. 24 and Norrie didn’t manage to upset the Swiss team or even take a set off them, just facing the record eight-time Wimbledon champion was something unbelievable for the three-time WTA champion.
“Sharing the court with Roger was a surreal feeling, and receiving his serve isn’t something I ever thought would happen in my career. I actually hit him with a volley, which was a bit awkward, but he took it in good spirits!” Boulter said in 2019 following the match.
Katie Boulter© LTA/Instagram – Fair Use
Since then, she has made a big game improvement to her game and has enjoyed some solid success.
Meanwhile, Boulter is slated to kick off her 2025 season in a team competition by representing her nation at the United Cup, which starts on December 27th.
Tennis World USA