Katie Boulter suggests what people have got wrong about British tennis players that she wants to prove is incorrect

Katie Boulter won her first-ever clay-court title late last week, arguably offering the perfect preparation for the start of the French Open.

Having historically struggled on this surface throughout her career, the 28-year-old seemed like she was merely looking for additional minutes to boost her preparation for Paris.

However, against all the odds, she stormed into the final, beating three Frenchwomen to win the title in their own backyard.

Reacting to that win, and discussing the upcoming Grand Slam, Boulter explained how such a triumph will hopefully shift a narrative she has seen more than she would like.

Katie Boulter on trying to prove people wrong

Speaking live on TNT Sports earlier today, the British number one on the women’s side was bold in her assessment of her country’s chances at the French Open.

After all, she is one of many seeking to dispel a long-held view surrounding Brits on clay, starting with her recent 125-level title won earlier this month.

She claimed: ‘It’s not my preferred surface, and I’m still building, still learning and it was a nice surprise [to win the WTA 125K title in Paris].

‘I didn’t bank on the clay court season having a title, I wasn’t really sure I’d find one in my whole career but we’re here and we have one.

‘I have one on every surface. We’ve talked a lot about how Brits can play one-dimensionally and you know a lot of them only play well on the grass and I think I’m here proving that slightly wrong.

‘I think I was inspired by the match against Paula [Badosa] here last year. I do understand that I can play better tennis on the clay.’

What British players are playing at the French Open this year?

Boulter is not alone in this British crusade in Paris, as one of many seeking to cause an upset and become the first British player to win the singles on the men’s or women’s side since Sue Barker in 1976.

Both Boulter, Jodie Burrage and Emma Raducanu will kickstart their campaigns on Monday, with Sonay Kartal having to wait until Tuesday for her match against Erika Andreeva.

However, after seeing Raducanu’s Roland Garros draw, her chances of a deep run have been significantly reduced given the toughness of her early opposition.

British players’ first-round opponents, French Open 2025

Then, on the men’s side, a further three managed to make it into the main draw after Dan Evans was knocked out in the qualifiers.

Jack Draper, as the world number five, will spearhead the bulk of British hopes.

However, both Cam Norrie and Jacob Fearnley will be hoping to support him appropriately, despite the duo being drawn against Grand Slam champions respectively.