🔗 Share this article

British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "decide between my physical health and my professional position" as the race carries on for a position in January's Australian Open main draw.

While the typical WTA Tour season is over, there are still standing points to be earned in Latin American countries, Argentina, multiple sites and international tournaments.

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

Health Challenges

Ex- British number one Boulter experienced an groin injury in her last tournament of the year in Asian venues last period, and is now considering whether to compete in the WTA 125 Challenger event in European venues, France, in the initial week of December.

The athlete's current physical issue, and the fact she would need to win at least three matches in the European event to boost her position, means she may well end up not participating.

Varying Approaches

In contrast, male athletes are not experiencing the identical dilemma, as for the first time the male Australian Open competitor lineup will be drawn up from current week's positions, which is the ATP's formal year-end position determination.

The modification is designed to discouraging competitors from chasing standing points during what is basically the break period.

Training Transitions

This period has been a challenging one for Boulter.

She won only 14 professional major tournament contests and recently split with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year partnership in which she won three WTA championships.

"Biljana is an outstanding trainer, and an remarkably quality individual as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter said.

The search for a different coach is currently ongoing, searching for an individual who has high-level expertise as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class player.

Professional Aspirations

"Moving ahead with a different trainer, an important factor I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be a professional who has a lot of knowledge in how to make it to the highest echelon of this sport," she said.

"I've been placed as elevated as twenty-three and I am confident I can get back there. I don't believe my standard has gone anywhere, I believe the reliability should enhance.

"My goal is not to be placed 50, 40, thirty, twenty - we've been there. The objective is to be within the elite group."