Physical Health or Ranking - Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Dilemma
Britain's Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "decide between my body and my world standing" as the competition continues for a position in next January's Australian Open main event.
While the typical WTA Tour season is completed, there are still standing points to be earned in South American nations, Argentina, multiple sites and European destinations.
The female entry list for the opening Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be calculated from the world rankings of early December, which could cause a challenging situation for players near the qualification line.
Health Challenges
Previous British leading competitor Boulter suffered an groin injury in her concluding competition of the year in international locations last timeframe, and is now weighing up whether to compete in the WTA 125 Challenger event in French locations, France, in the opening days of December.
The athlete's ongoing health concern, and the reality she would need to secure at least several wins in the French tournament to improve her standing, means she may well ultimately not competing.
Contrasting Methods
In comparison, men's competitors are not confronting the same dilemma, as for the premier occasion the men's Australian Open entry list will be established from present week's standings, which is the ATP's formal annual-final ranking date.
The change is intended to discouraging players from chasing ranking points during what is essentially the off-season.
Coaching Changes
This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She achieved merely 14 elite main-draw contests and currently separated with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy partnership in which she secured multiple WTA titles.
"Biljana is an outstanding trainer, and an exceptionally quality human as well, which makes things very difficult," Boulter said.
The quest for a replacement instructor is well under way, seeking someone who has high-level background as Boulter continues to think she can be a top-20 athlete.
Future Goals
"Progressing with a new coach, a key aspect I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be a professional who has a lot of expertise in how to advance to the very top level of this game," she stated.
"I've been placed as advanced as 23 and I know I can climb back there. I don't think my level has disappeared, I feel the steadiness should improve.
"My goal is not simply to be placed fifty, 40, thirty, twenty - we've achieved that. The goal is to be among the elite group."