🔗 Share this article

British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "choose between my physical health and my ranking" as the scramble persists for a place in next January's Australian Open primary competition.

While the standard WTA Tour season is finished, there are still ranking points to be won in South American nations, Argentina, various venues and European destinations.

The female entry list for the opening Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be based on the world rankings of 8 December, which could present a dilemma for competitors near the qualification line.

Injury Concerns

Ex- British number one Boulter tore an groin injury in her concluding competition of the year in international locations last timeframe, and is now considering whether to participate in the WTA 125 development competition in European venues, the continental destination, in the initial week of December.

Boulter's ongoing health concern, and the fact she would need to achieve at least multiple victories in the European event to enhance her position, means she may likely ultimately not participating.

Different Systems

In comparison, men's competitors are not confronting the same situation, as for the initial instance the male Australian Open entry list will be drawn up from current week's standings, which is the ATP's standard year-end ranking date.

The adjustment is aimed at deterring athletes from pursuing standing points during what is fundamentally the off-season.

Professional Adjustments

This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.

She won only 14 elite major tournament contests and lately separated with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a extended partnership in which she won three WTA championships.

"Biljana is an outstanding coach, and an remarkably quality human as well, which makes things particularly challenging," Boulter said.

The search for a replacement coach is well under way, seeking someone who has top-tier experience as Boulter still believes she can be a top-20 player.

Future Goals

"Moving ahead with a new coach, an important factor I'm absolutely certain on is that they are going to be an individual who has considerable knowledge in how to make it to the peak performance of this profession," she said.

"I've been placed as elevated as twenty-three and I am confident I can get back there. I am not convinced my standard has disappeared, I feel the consistency must develop.

"My goal is not merely to be placed 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've achieved that. The aim is to be within the elite group."