Physical Health or Ranking - Katie Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Predicament
Britain's Katie Boulter admits she feels she has to "choose between my physical health and my world standing" as the race continues for a place in the upcoming January Australian Open primary competition.
While the standard WTA Tour tournament schedule is over, there are still ranking points to be won in Latin American countries, regional locations, Ecuador and France.
The female entry list for the initial Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be calculated from the world rankings of 8 December, which could create a difficult choice for athletes approaching the cut.
Health Challenges
Ex- British number one Boulter suffered an groin injury in her last tournament of the year in Asian venues last period, and is now weighing up whether to compete in the WTA 125 development competition in French locations, France, in the initial week of December.
Boulter's recent injury, and the reality she would need to secure at least three matches in Angers to boost her position, means she may probably ultimately not playing.
Different Systems
In contrast, male players are not confronting the identical dilemma, as for the first time the male Australian Open participant roster will be established from present week's standings, which is the ATP's standard year-end standing calculation.
The modification is designed to discouraging competitors from chasing position points during what is fundamentally the break period.
Coaching Changes
This period has been a challenging one for Boulter.
She achieved merely fourteen elite main-draw games and currently separated with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year working relationship in which she secured several WTA titles.
"Biljana is an incredible trainer, and an extremely quality individual as well, which makes things particularly challenging," Boulter stated.
The quest for a different coach is actively progressing, searching for someone who has elite expertise as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a top-20 athlete.
Professional Aspirations
"Moving ahead with a different trainer, a key aspect I'm very clear on is that they are going to be a professional who has extensive experience in how to make it to the very top level of this sport," she said.
"I've been placed as elevated as twenty-three and I believe I can return to that position. I don't think my performance has gone anywhere, I think the steadiness must enhance.
"My aim is not to be positioned 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've accomplished that. The aim is to be among 20."