Boulter avoids Murray's ring mishap ahead of US Open
Katie Boulter said she will not follow Andy Murray's example of tying a wedding ring to shoelaces, having learned from his 2021 mishap. The newlywed, who married Alex de Minaur in July, does not wear her ring during matches. She also praised her husband's impromptu wedding speech, which moved her to tears.
Boulter’s decision to skip wearing her ring during matches stems directly from Murray’s 2021 scare, when his trainers—ring still laced—were left under a car in California and briefly went missing. She and De Minaur held two ceremonies: a tiny eight-person UK gathering for her grandfather, then a larger party in Tuscany. Despite her doubts about his unprepared speech, De Minaur’s off-the-cuff words left her in tears for hours. Boulter has since prioritized adapting to American hard courts, though her recent results have been modest—first-round exits in Washington and Toronto, then a second-round loss in Cincinnati. She opens against American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee, ranked 143rd.
This lighthearted personal story may resonate with tennis fans who see top players balancing marriage and career, offering a relatable glimpse into off-court life. Boulter’s caution about ring safety could prompt other athletes to adopt safer habits, while her husband’s praised speech may normalize vulnerability in public moments. The broader impact is modest, but it humanizes elite competitors and may strengthen fan connection, especially among younger audiences who follow players’ personal narratives alongside results.