Katie Boulter to meet boyfriend Alex de Minaur at United Cup

Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur during their mixed doubles match at Wimbledon 2023. Photo: PA/Adam Davey

British No. 1 Katie Boulter's romance with Australian boyfriend Alex de Minaur will be put to a whole new test this winter after their teams were drawn into the same United Cup group.

The draw for the mixed team tournament, which begins on December 29, took place on Monday and confirmed that hosts Australia, Great Britain and the United States will compete in Group C.

As well as being a composite group, it also means Boulter and de Minaur will be rivals for the first time. . However, judging by their reactions on social media, the couple will have no difficulty in overcoming their split in loyalties.

World No. 13 De Minaur shared the news with the caption «now officially enemies,» tagging his partner of two years next to a heart emoji and an Australian flag.

Boulter saw the funny side and responded with laughter. smiley face and lots of Union Jacks with the caption: “Well, this will end well.”

Boulter will make his debut in the tournament, which only started last year. The format has been slightly changed this season, with only three rubbers used in each match instead of five: one men's singles, one women's singles and one mixed doubles.

Each team can name up to five players, including their own high-ranking singles options as well as doubles specialists. As well as de Minaur, Australia have also named Ajla Tomljanovic, while Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans are listed for Britain along with Boulter. The US will feature top 10 players Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula.

So there is a small chance that de Minaur and Boulter could play on the other side of the court from each other, just a few months after the competition. as doubles partners at Wimbledon. Whatever happens, they will find themselves on opposite benches as the event reignites the great sporting rivalry between the two countries.

Eighteen teams compete in the United Cup, with the two host cities of Perth and Sydney. Group C will play its matches in Perth. The final is scheduled for January 7 in Sydney.