Body or Ranking - Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Dilemma
British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "pick between my physical health and my ranking" as the scramble continues for a place in the upcoming January Australian Open main draw.
While the regular WTA Tour tournament schedule is completed, there are still ranking points to be earned in Latin American countries, neighboring countries, multiple sites and international tournaments.
The women's participant roster for the initial Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be calculated from the international positions of the December cutoff, which could present a difficult choice for players approaching the qualification line.
Physical Setbacks
Ex- British number one Boulter experienced an groin injury in her last tournament of the year in Hong Kong last period, and is now considering whether to compete 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 achieve at least multiple victories in the French tournament to boost her ranking, means she may likely eventually not playing.
Different Systems
In comparison, male athletes are not experiencing the equivalent situation, as for the initial instance the male Australian Open competitor lineup will be drawn up from current week's rankings, which is the ATP's standard year-end position determination.
The change is designed to preventing competitors from seeking ranking points during what is essentially the break period.
Training Transitions
This year has been a difficult one for Boulter.
She secured just 14 Tour-level major tournament matches and currently split with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year working relationship in which she secured three WTA victories.
"Biljana is an incredible trainer, and an remarkably excellent human as well, which produces circumstances very difficult," Boulter said.
The pursuit for a different instructor is well under way, seeking an individual who has elite experience as Boulter still believes she can be a top-20 athlete.
Professional Aspirations
"Progressing with a replacement instructor, one thing I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be an individual who has considerable expertise in how to succeed to the peak performance of this sport," she said.
"I've been ranked as elevated as twenty-three and I am confident I can get back to that level. I don't believe my standard has gone anywhere, I think the consistency needs to enhance.
"My goal is not merely to be ranked 50, 40, 30, twenty - we've achieved that. The objective is to be among the elite group."