Katie Boulter Enlists Maria Sharapova’s Former Coach Michael Joyce for 2026 Season

Katie Boulter has appointed Michael Joyce, the former coach of Maria Sharapova, as she seeks to revitalize her tennis career in 2026. The partnership, which began in Auckland, is set to continue throughout the year, contingent on both parties’ agreement following the Australian Open.

A Proven Track Record: Joyce’s Coaching Pedigree

Michael Joyce, 52, brings a wealth of experience to Boulter’s team. He spent six years coaching Maria Sharapova, during which she secured Grand Slam titles at the US Open and Australian Open and ascended to the world number one ranking. BBC Sport reports that Joyce’s coaching prowess extends beyond Sharapova, having also worked with Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, Britain’s Johanna Konta, and most recently, Ashlyn Krueger, who achieved a top 30 debut in June 2025.

Boulter’s 2025 Struggles and 2026 Aspirations

The 29-year-aged Boulter concluded the 2025 season ranked outside the top 100 and as the British number four, following a challenging year. She secured three WTA titles during a three-year partnership with Biljana Veselinovic, which ended late in 2025. Sky Sports highlights that Boulter has only won three tour-level matches since Wimbledon and suffered an abductor tear in her final event of 2025 in Hong Kong.

Despite missing a direct entry into the Australian Open main draw – currently holding the position of third alternate – Boulter is determined to climb back up the rankings. She expressed a clear desire for a coach with experience in guiding players to the highest levels of the game in a November interview with BBC Sport, stating, “Going forward with a new coach, one thing I’m very clear on is that they are going to be someone who has a lot of experience in how to make it to the very top level of this game.”

Looking Ahead

Joyce joined Boulter in Auckland for the ASB Classic, where she received a main draw wildcard. The agreement for the remainder of the year will be finalized if both parties remain satisfied after their time in New Zealand and the Australian Open. Yahoo Sports notes that Boulter aims to improve her consistency and return to the top 20 in the world rankings.