England fan Boulter looks for inspiration to make dis-Harmony

KATIE BOULTER has been fighting like a lioness at Wimbledon and she took on the mantle of one in practice ahead of today’s third-round clash against Harmony Tan.

Boulter, 25, worked out with former British No.1 Jeremy Bates in a replica England women’s football shirt.

Boulter, it turns out, is a big Lionesses fan and was showing her support ahead of their opening Euros game against Austria at a sold-out Old Trafford on Wednesday.

“They are definitely inspiring me,” said Boulter, right. “They can win it. Hell yeah. I would like to go to some games if I can find time.”

She has business to attend to at Wimbledon first, starting with this morning’s match against the World No.113 on Court No.2.

To land an opponent outside the world’s top 100 at this stage of the championships is a bonus but Boulter will be wary after the Frenchwoman knock out Serena Williams.

“I did watch a bit of it,” said Boulter. “I know she is a really good player with a lot of good wins under her belt so I’m going to have to bring the best I’ve got. I’m definitely going to enjoy myself.”

The Boulter smile that has lit up these championships was on show again yesterday in a relaxed work-out in front of boyfriend Alex de Minaur, the Australian who eliminated Jack Draper in the men’s draw.

But underneath she is still grieving for her grandma, who passed away this week. They were close and the way in which she has been able to control her emotions on court has been a key to her success.

Bates said: “She has incredible mental and physical resilience in a sporting sense and a competitive nature.

“It has been a very difficult time for her but there are some of the traits in her that are relevant to her situation this week. It is very impressive.”

Boulter’s mum, Sue, a tennis coach, will be cheering her on today.

She said: “The whole family is proud of the way Katie performed and how she continues to deal with whatever is thrown in her path.

“We will support her all the way.”