Physical Health versus Ranking - Boulter's Australian Open Predicament
Britain's Katie Boulter admits she feels she has to "pick between my body and my ranking" as the scramble continues for a position in January's Australian Open main event.
While the typical WTA Tour competitive period is over, there are still ranking points to be gained in South American nations, regional locations, Ecuador and international tournaments.
The female entry list for the initial Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be based on the international positions of the December cutoff, which could create a difficult choice for athletes approaching the qualification line.
Physical Setbacks
Former British number one Boulter suffered an groin injury in her last tournament of the year in Hong Kong last month, and is now considering whether to compete in the WTA 125 Challenger event in European venues, the European nation, in the initial week of December.
The athlete's current physical issue, and the reality she would need to secure at least several wins in Angers to enhance her position, means she may well eventually not playing.
Varying Approaches
In comparison, men's competitors are not facing the equivalent predicament, as for the initial instance the male Australian Open entry list will be established from present week's rankings, which is the ATP's official season-concluding standing calculation.
The modification is intended to discouraging competitors from chasing standing points during what is essentially the break period.
Training Transitions
This season has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She won only 14 elite primary competition games and lately split with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a extended partnership in which she won several WTA championships.
"Biljana is an outstanding coach, and an remarkably good human as well, which produces circumstances very difficult," Boulter stated.
The quest for a different trainer is currently ongoing, seeking a professional who has top-tier expertise as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a world-class athlete.
Future Goals
"Going forward with a different trainer, a key aspect I'm absolutely certain on is that they are going to be someone who has considerable knowledge in how to advance to the highest echelon of this profession," she stated.
"I've been positioned as advanced as 23 and I am confident I can get back to that level. I don't believe my performance has diminished, I feel the steadiness should improve.
"My aim is not merely to be positioned fifty, 40, thirty, twenty - we've been there. The aim is to be inside the elite group."