Katie Boulter was reduced to tears during her post-match press conference at Wimbledon after suffering a first-round defeat. The British No. 2 lost 6-4, 6-2 to 18-year-old qualifier Tyra Grant in just 66 minutes on Centre Court.
Emotional Press Conference
Boulter, who is set to marry ATP No. 6 Alex De Minaur after Wimbledon, became visibly emotional when asked if her pre-tournament statement that it would be "the best month of [her] life, no matter what" still held true. She said: "I think this is the most challenging part about tennis. It's so difficult to feel satisfied. I think it's something you keep trying to strive for, but yeah..." Her voice trailed off as tears fell.
She continued: "Yeah, it's tough. It's tough. I can assure you it's going to be the best day of my life in a while. Not today, yeah."
Mixed Doubles Uncertainty
The world No. 60 also addressed speculation about playing mixed doubles with De Minaur before their wedding. "I don't think I'm playing mixed, that I know of," she said. "I haven't had that conversation. He's on court. Not that I know of that I'm playing mixed doubles. I'm playing women's doubles with Heather Watson."
Pain of Losing at Home Grand Slam
Boulter conceded the loss stung more than usual because it came at her home Grand Slam. "I think this year I have been building extremely well. I think it's one of the only weeks in my whole calendar so far, I have had a really tough week," she said. "Of course it hurts because it's Wimbledon. It just hurts more and it makes it harder for me to deal with and to accept the fact that I didn't bring my best game out there."
Looking Ahead
The 29-year-old acknowledged she cannot dwell on the defeat. "That is for me to go back and keep building and keep working. It's tough, because you can sometimes sound like a robot, but it's the only thing we know what to do," she said. "I think if I get wrapped up in this loss, it's going to be tough. It's not going to be easy for me. I will allow myself to take a couple of days and look after my head and maybe go back over the match and see what I could have done better."
Praise for Opponent
Boulter was generous in her assessment of Grant, who was playing in her first Grand Slam main draw. "I have to give credit to her, as well. She's a young girl who's swinging, playing some fearless tennis," Boulter said. "I think she didn't really give me a look-in. I think maybe a few other players I would have had a few more opportunities on return of serves. I think she served extremely well. I didn't match that. Yeah, I think it's a tough day today."
