Alex de Minaur says it’s “my turn” to start learning from girlfriend Katie Boulter  

Alex de Minaur’s Wimbledon singles campaign didn’t last as long as he hoped. On Friday, the No. 15 seed was defeated by 2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.

The Australian’s stay at SW19, however, isn’t quite finished. For last month's London Queen's finalist is in the mixed doubles event with girlfriend Katie Boulter.

On Thursday, Boulter praised De Minaur—unprompted—during her press conference. The 26-year-old, currently the British No. 1 on the WTA Tour, admires his temperament and professionalism.

“He is the most down-to-earth person I've ever met. He's Top 20, he's been 15. He's a top tennis player and he knows how to handle himself,” she said. “Anything I see from him, I try and draw on it. Yeah, he's my best example of what I want to be.”

Asked about Boulter’s progress following his loss to Berrettini, De Minaur expressed he’s always believed grander moments would come. And now, it’s time for the two to swap roles.

“Since the moment I met her, I knew she had it in her. I've always thought she's such a high-quality player, and it's been amazing and great to see how she's developed,” he reflected.

“The way she's been handling the spotlight, the pressures, it's been pretty astounding to me. Now it's probably my turn to start learning from her.”

A year ago, Boulter shined on Centre Court when she battled past 2021 runner-up Karolina Pliskova in a tight three-setter. The 26-year-old has since added her maiden WTA title at the grass-court event in Nottingham and come Saturday, gets another crack at a big name: reigning champion Elena Rybakina.

“She's been doing amazing. She's shown again this week that she deserves to be where she's at,” said De Minaur. I genuinely think that it's only the beginning.”

By Friday evening, Boulter and De Minaur had an opening-round victory to celebrate together. The two dismissed the all-Aussie duo of Storm Hunter and John Peers, 6-2, 6-4, on Court 17, with neither dropping serve throughout the 67-minute contest.