Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter will reignite a partnership at United Cup 2024 that has proven valuable for their nation.
Good friends with a history of strong results in mixed doubles, Norrie and Boulter’s connection is symbolic of the close-knit nature of British tennis – one which could prove a winning formula at the United Cup.
The British No.1s lead Team GB into battle in Perth in a stacked Group C alongside defending champions USA and hosts Australia. They open against the Aussies on 29 December, a blockbuster Friday-night battle sure to electrify RAC Arena.
TICKETS: Catch Team GB in action in Perth at United Cup 2024
“I think it's definitely a different dynamic; you're playing for your country, and I think the format is really great. It gives people in Australia the chance to watch some of the best players in the world in a team competition with a lot of energy, a lot on the line,” Norrie told ATP Tennis Radio.
"(Katie and I) get on well and she goes out with (Australia’s Alex) De Minaur, who's probably one of my best friends on the tour. She's had a great year and had some big wins… I know her top level's great, so hopefully she can bring that to United Cup.
“She hits the ball as well as any of the top women's players in the world, so I'm excited for that. She's always enjoying those team events – last time we played in Hopman Cup, she played great, and we won some tough mixed doubles.
“She's a lot of fun to play with.”
Boulter remembers that Hopman Cup week fondly and was pleased to hear Norrie’s words of praise.
"It's nice to hear that my teammate thinks that too… I totally believe in it, I do,” Boulter told unitedcup.com.
“I think as this year has shown, my level is there, and I only think I'm going to get better. I'm working hard, I'm working on my weaknesses and my strengths at the same time, and I think I'm in the best place I could possibly be.
“I'm really excited for next year. I've always got things to improve, but looking forward to getting out and competing and really showing what I can do, and hopefully United Cup can start that.”
Boulter has enjoyed her best-ever season on tour, winning almost twice as many matches as she lost and breaking through for her first WTA singles title in Nottingham. Ranked outside the top 150 in March, she soared up the list to crack the top 50 in September, helped by reaching the third round at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
As Norrie alluded to, her level improves in team competitions; she has won 11 of her 14 Billie Jean King Cup rubbers, building a 9-3 win-loss record in singles.
Together, she and Norrie went 2-1 in mixed doubles for Great Britain at that 2019 Hopman Cup.
"Ever since (my Billie Jean King Cup debut) I managed to stand up and continue that run, and I've played some seriously good matches for (Great Britain),” she said.
“I think it just brings a little bit more sparkle out of you; I think just seeing your teammates on the sideline, playing for them, not just for you, it really kind of draws something out of me that I don't have most of the year.
“We don't have many team events, so I really thrive under those situations.”
Expectations do not fall solely on Boulter and Norrie’s shoulders to stand up for their country. Also in the squad are top-40 talent Dan Evans, doubles spearhead Neal Skupski, Wimbledon doubles quarterfinalist Maia Lumsden and the inspirational Francesca Jones.
Boulter said she was excited to join a team possessing such strength and camaraderie.
PLAYER LISTS: United Cup 2024 teams
"We actually had an in-house British team event during COVID a few years ago where we basically split in the middle and we played against each other. I was on the same team as Evo (Dan Evans),” Boulter recalled.
“He is someone who you definitely want in your corner; I know he's gonna be screaming and shouting and doing everything that he can to help me win, and that feels great to know that your teammates are like that.
“I'm looking forward to getting the whole team together. I think that's what's exciting, we're all going to be coming from completely different backgrounds and coming together as Team GB.”
Norrie is hoping a return to the United Cup fold will help him tap into his best form.
The former world No.8 enjoyed a sizzling start to the 2023 season that included wins over De Minaur, Rafael Nadal and Taylor Fritz in his undefeated campaign at United Cup 2023.
While he didn’t maintain that pace as the season unfolded, he finished it inside the top 20 and remains a potent part of the British line-up.
"I played some of my best tennis to start the year which was a lot of fun,” he recalled.
"I think I know I have the level. I know I've got it in me to play with the best guys in the world, having some big results already, and I think it's more or less how I can implement my game and play my tennis in the bigger moments.
“I know how to play and I’m just trying to compete as hard as I can. Because when I'm competing, I think I'm one of the best competitors in the world when I'm at my highest.”
