British tennis star Katie Boulter has made a major change to her team as she looks to revive her career at the Australian Open. The former WTA World No. 23 has partnered with Maria Sharapova’s Grand Slam-winning ex-coach ahead of the 2026 season.
Boulter made her WTA debut back in 2013, but she first began to command attention on the tour in 2022 after reaching the third round of the Wimbledon Championships. Over the next few years, the 29-year-old became the British No. 1, claiming titles at the 2023 and 2024 Nottingham Open as well as the San Diego Open.
However, by 2025, Katie Boulter experienced a significant dip in her performance. Now, as the Brit looks to revive her career, she has teamed up with Michael Joyce. The 52-year-old coach has worked with several major WTA stars over the course of his career, including Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Jessica Pegula, Johanna Konta, and Eugenie Bouchard.
### Katie Boulter Opens Up About Her Partnership with Michael Joyce
Katie Boulter began working with Michael Joyce towards the end of the 2025 season. Speaking about the start of their partnership at the Australian Open, she said:
> “Going out and finding a coach yourself isn’t a process that I’m used to. Because you don’t know anyone, you sort of see them on a daily basis, but you don’t know what they’re like as a coach and you kind of just have to trust your instincts and gut feeling on it. And I think that kind of matched up pretty well.”
She went on to share her positive experience training under Joyce, explaining:
> “Personally I always really liked him. I thought he’s done a really good job with a lot of other players. Jessie, Ashlyn. I feel like he’s been around a long time on tour. He’s someone that I didn’t really get to know that much until I spent time with him on court, and I really like his style. I feel like it’s going well at the moment. I think we’re all quite calm, which really helps because I’ve got that energy around me, which is important for me as a tennis player.”
Katie Boulter is currently competing at the Australian Open. The Brit has fought her way through the qualification rounds and will face 10th seed Belinda Bencic in her first-round match.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-maria-sharapova-s-grand-slam-winning-ex-coach-joins-british-wta-star-australian-open-2026-career-revival