Boulter Credits Robson for Revolutionary Left-Hand Serve Technique Ahead of Big Season

British number two Katie Boulter has unveiled an innovative new serve technique that she credits to intensive practice sessions with fellow Briton Laura Robson. The 27-year-old revealed that she has been working on a left-handed serve, despite being naturally right-handed, in a bid to add variety to her game and become a more unpredictable opponent on grass courts.

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Robson, a former world top-30 player known for her excellent left-handed serve, has been mentoring Boulter during training sessions in London. The pair have developed a close working relationship, with Robson sharing insights from her own technical approach to the game. Boulter explained that the left-handed serve mimics the style of opponents she might face in doubles, giving her valuable practice against unfamiliar spin patterns.

I'm incredibly grateful to Laura for helping me with this," Boulter said during a practice session at the National Tennis Centre. "She's been so generous with her time and knowledge. The serve feels completely different when you switch hands, but the benefits for my doubles game are huge. Being able to practice against left-handed spin without needing a partner is a game-changer for my preparation.

The new technique comes at an exciting time for Boulter, who recently announced she would be partnering with Serena Williams for the Wimbledon doubles competition. The American legend expressed her excitement about working with the rising British star, calling it a 'dream come true' for Boulter. The combination of Boulter's improved technique and Williams' legendary status has generated significant buzz around British tennis circles.

Boulter's grass-court preparations appear to be going from strength to strength. She showed promising form in recent clay-court events, reaching the quarterfinals in Stuttgart before a narrow three-set defeat to top seed Jessica Pegula. Her improved movement and mental fortitude have impressed observers, and the additional serve dimension could provide the extra edge needed to break into the world's top 50.

Robson, whose career was unfortunately curtailed by injury, has found a new calling as a coach and mentor. Her technical knowledge, particularly around serve mechanics, has attracted attention from several up-and-coming British players. Boulter's public acknowledgment of their collaboration highlights the importance of experienced players giving back to the next generation.

The Wimbledon championships begin in just over a month, and Boulter will be hoping her expanded technical repertoire can help her achieve her best-ever result at SW19. With Williams by her side in the doubles, and Robson providing behind-the-scenes expertise, the British star appears well-placed for a breakthrough summer on the grass courts.