The 2019 Hopman Cup, which pitted mixed-gender teams against one another in international competition, was an exciting affair not only for the fans but also for the players. However, British star, Katie Boulter had a ‘daunting’ experience in that edition. Her team was up against Switzerland, which was represented by Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic. During an interview earlier this week, Boulter narrated her experience of playing against one of the greatest players of all time.

Trailing 2-0, Cameron Norrie and Boulter teamed up to face Federer and Bencic. However, the Swiss pair took no time to defeat their opponents in straight sets 4-3, 4-1. The British duo had a tough time against Federer, who was in full flow during that tournament. Despite cherishing the experience of playing against Federer, Boulter narrated the difficulties that came along.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Boulter said, “I faced Federer and it was daunting. Facing Federer was like stepping into a different world. His presence on the court is so commanding, and his skill level is just off the charts. It’s moments like these that push you to improve and test your limits. Playing against Federer was a valuable experience that I’ll always cherish. Every match is a learning opportunity. Facing top players like Federer only makes me more motivated to keep pushing and improving.”

Leaving her daunting experience apart, Boulter is a big fan of Federer. She once picked the Swiss maestro ahead of her boyfriend, Alex de Minaur while answering a dream tennis question. She preferred Federer over de Minaur as her dinner party guest, saying, “I am going to go Federer for ATP” when asked about who she was going with as her tennis-related dinner party guest.

However, Federer wasn’t the only one who gave Boulter a daunting time on the court. She once revealed how daunting it was to face Serena Williams as well.

Katie Boulter on facing Serena Williams

Before retiring in 2022, Williams dominated the WTA circuit and gave hardly anything away to her opponents. As a result, the likes of Boulter had a tough time facing the American legend. At the 2019 Hopman Cup, the two clashed and Williams took the match in straight sets. However, Boulter avenged the defeat in the mixed doubles encounter later.

Asked about how she felt playing against Williams, Boulter said, “She’s been my idol my entire life, someone I watched from stage one. To be on the other side of the court was an honor and a privilege to see such an amazing player who has accomplished so much, it was definitely an inspiration.”

Subsequently, Boulter and Williams also spent some time off the court and the British star truly enjoyed one of the most memorable moments of her career. Talking about meeting Williams, Boulter said, “We had the New Year’s Eve gala there and I was actually sat next to her, she was answering some questions and stuff. She’s always lovely and a really sweet girl. I was lucky enough to get to chat with her a little bit. She’s another champion, someone I aspire to be like.”

Boulter has now gone on to become the best player in her country. Being placed in the 24th spot currently, can Boulter enter the top 10 of the WTA rankings next year? Let us know your views in the comments below.