🔗 Share this article

Britain's Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "decide between my physical health and my world standing" as the race carries on for a place in January's Australian Open primary competition.

While the typical WTA Tour season is finished, there are still standing points to be gained in Latin American countries, regional locations, various venues and international tournaments.

The female competitor lineup for the opening Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be based on the world rankings of the December cutoff, which could present a difficult choice for competitors near the cut.

Injury Concerns

Former British top-ranked player Boulter experienced an abductor in her concluding competition of the year in Asian venues last month, and is now weighing up whether to participate in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, France, in the opening days of December.

The athlete's current physical issue, and the situation she would need to win at least several wins in Angers to enhance her standing, means she may likely end up not competing.

Different Systems

In opposition, men's competitors are not facing the same situation, as for the first time the male Australian Open participant roster will be created from present week's standings, which is the ATP's official year-end ranking date.

The change is intended to deterring athletes from pursuing standing points during what is essentially the off-season.

Coaching Changes

This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.

She secured just fourteen elite main-draw matches and recently parted ways with instructor Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy working relationship in which she secured multiple WTA titles.

"Biljana is an outstanding coach, and an exceptionally quality human as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter commented.

The pursuit for a replacement coach is well under way, seeking someone who has top-tier experience as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a top-20 athlete.

Future Goals

"Going forward with a new coach, an important factor I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has a lot of experience in how to advance to the very top level of this game," she stated.

"I've been placed as high as twenty-three and I believe I can return to that position. I don't think my standard has gone anywhere, I feel the consistency must improve.

"My aim is not to be ranked fifty, forty, thirty, twenty - we've accomplished that. The aim is to be inside 20."