British tennis star Katie Boulter has turned to Michael Joyce, former coach of Maria Sharapova, as she looks to reignite her career and climb back up the WTA rankings. Joyce, 52, joins Boulter in Auckland, where she holds a main draw wildcard for next week’s ASB Classic.
A High-Profile Coaching Partnership
Joyce spent six years on Sharapova’s team, guiding her to victories at the US Open, Australian Open, and helping her reach world number one. Beyond Sharapova, Joyce has coached Victoria Azarenka, Johanna Konta, and most recently American Ashlyn Krueger, who reached the top 30 in June 2025.
Katie Boulter said of her coaching choice:
“Going forward with a new coach, one thing I’m very clear on is that they are going to be someone who has a lot of experience in how to make it to the very top level of this game. I’ve been ranked as high as 23 and I know I can get back there.”
Boulter and Joyce have agreed terms for the rest of the year, beginning in Auckland and continuing through the Australian Open, with the potential to extend depending on results and mutual decisions.
Boulter’s Career Challenges
Boulter, 29, reached a career-high ranking of 23 in 2024, but has struggled over the past year. She parted ways with coach Biljana Veselinovic after three years, during which she won three WTA titles. Since Wimbledon, Boulter has won only three tour-level matches and suffered a torn abductor in Hong Kong, affecting her rankings and qualification for the Australian Open.
Currently, she is the British number four and the third alternate for the Melbourne Park main draw. Without sufficient withdrawals, she will need to compete through qualifying rounds.
Despite setbacks, Boulter remains determined to improve her consistency and reclaim her position among the world’s elite players:
“My goal is not to be ranked 50, 40, 30, 20 — we’ve been there. The goal is to be inside 20.”
A Fresh Start on and off Court
Boulter enters 2026 with renewed motivation, calling it “the best year of her life” on Instagram. The announcement comes as she prepares to marry Australia’s world number seven Alex de Minaur, signaling a fresh start both personally and professionally.
“Adios 2025. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” Boulter posted, emphasizing her focus on the year ahead.
The collaboration with Michael Joyce offers a wealth of experience and guidance, and many in the tennis world will be watching her ASB Classic campaign closely as she seeks a strong start to the season.
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