Tennis power couple Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter took to Instagram on Monday to announce that they had been ‘keeping a secret’ from their fans.
The pair published a selfie of themselves on the social media platform, appearing to announce that they were engaged.
Boulter, 28, was pictured in the Instagram snap wrapping her left arm around the neck of the Aussie tennis star, 25, revealing that she was wearing a simply stunning engagement ring on her wedding finger.
They captioned the post: ‘We’ve been keeping a small secret…’ adding a ‘shushing face emoji’.
The pair have been together since 2020, having initially met on the professional tennis circuit before bumping into each other while out for a 6am coffee. It was here that their relationship blossomed and Boulter admitted that was when she knew he was the one.
‘We bumped into each other at six in the morning and ended up getting a coffee. From that moment, I knew I was in it for the long haul,’ Boulter had previously told The Age.
Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur surprised fans on Monday morning as they appeared to announce their engagement
The pair have been dating since 2020, having celebrated their four-year anniversary this year
Both have enjoyed excellent years on the WTA and ATP Tours, with Boulter going on to win in Nottingham and San Diego, while De Minaur recently won the Ultimate Tennis Showdown
Both have enjoyed excellent years on the WTA and ATP Tours, with Boulter going on to win in Nottingham and San Diego.
De Minaur also ended his 2024 with a huge win at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown after he failed to win a match at the ATP Finals in Turin.
But over the years, the pair have captured the hearts of many tennis fans for their blossoming relationship, with Boulter and De Minaur both regularly seen in the stands watching each other play.
‘Growing up, I was always super-close to my grandpa: I always said to myself that if I can find someone who has half his heart, I’ll be the luckiest woman in the world. I’ve found that person in Alex,’ Boulter said to The Age.
‘He puts me before himself all the time and takes care of the people around him – his family and his team. He’s my best example of what I want to be.’
The couple celebrated their four-year anniversary in March and were seen again supporting each other at Wimbledon this year, notably also heading out for coffee during the tournament week.
Boulter would go on to crash out in the round of 64, with the 28-year-old star going on to reveal the touching piece of advice her fiance, De Minaur, gave her to pick her up after a tough defeat by British rival Harriet Dart.
‘One match doesn’t define my career. That’s the first thing he [de Minaur] said to me when I got off the court,’ a shattered Boulter told reporters post match.
Players including Emma Raducanu and Thanasi Kokkinakis commented on De Minaur and Boulter’s Instagram post
Boulter and De Minaur are regularly seen cheering eachother on during tournament weeks
The pair had initially met on the professional tours, before they met for a coffee one morning at 6am. Since then their relationship has blossomed
‘He knows what he’s talking about. It’s not his first rodeo. He’s been through it all before, and I’m lucky to have that support.’
At Roland Garros this year, De Minaur was also seen clinching a huge win against Alex Michelson before running over to cheer Boulter on in her late-night match against Paula Badosa. He was seen fist-bumping the air in support of his British fiancee.
Some big names from the tennis world have all taken to Instagram to send messages of congratulations to Boulter and De Minaur.
Emma Raducanu commented: ‘Congrats!!’ While Thanasi Kokkinakis added: ‘About damn time.’
The Australian Open and the ATP Tour also both posted a message of congratulations to the two stars while Laura Robson added: ‘You cuties. Best pre-season news ever.’
Boulter and De Minaur are both set to play at this summer’s Australian Open, with De Minaur admitting that he will be spending Christmas Day training, after returning home to Australia.
‘Well, it will basically consist of me spending some time on the tennis court … and in the gym,’ he said.
He added: ‘There’s no rest for the wicked. Ultimately, let’s just say the fuel that drives me to get better, that hunger, it over-rides the feeling of me needing a week off, two weeks off with holidays, and enjoying the festive season.’
He admitted that he had enjoyed a pre-Christmas feast with his fiancee Boulter and her family prior to returning home to Australia.
