Australian Open 2026: British Katie Poulter defeats Belinda Bencic

Poulter suffered a difficult 2025 season, falling from 24th in the world to outside the top 100 players, and losing her number one ranking in Britain amid struggles with injuries.

In her quest for a fresh start this season, the British player ended her partnership with her long-time coach, Biljana Veselinovic, and is now assisted by American Michael Joyce, who helped Maria Sharapova win two Grand Slam titles and reach first place in the world.

It’s also a big year for Poulter off the court, with her wedding to Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur set to take place later in 2026.

Speaking before the tournament, Poulter said: “I’m getting married this year. It’s going to be an incredible year, one of the best years of my life, regardless of what happens on the tennis court. I think this has really given me a positive boost.”

“I feel like I have a new coach, I have a new squad, everything is new and exciting again. Whereas I feel like I was slowing down a little bit at the end of last year just trying to get through the whole year without injuries.”

Now ranked fourth in Britain, Poulter has won just four tour-level matches since Wimbledon.

She tore her abductor in her final event last year in Hong Kong and returned to action at the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this month, losing in the second round.