Body or World Standing - Boulter's Australian Open Predicament
British Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "choose between my body and my professional position" as the race continues for a position in next January's Australian Open main event.
While the standard WTA Tour competitive period is completed, there are still standing points to be won in South American nations, regional locations, various venues and international tournaments.
The female participant roster for the opening Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be based on the world rankings of early December, which could create a difficult choice for athletes near the qualification line.
Injury Concerns
Former British number one Boulter experienced an groin injury in her final event of the year in Hong Kong last month, and is now considering whether to play in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in Angers, the continental destination, in the opening days of December.
The athlete's recent injury, and the situation she would need to win at least several wins in the French tournament to enhance her ranking, means she may likely eventually not playing.
Different Systems
In comparison, male players are not confronting the same situation, as for the premier occasion the men's Australian Open entry list will be drawn up from present week's positions, which is the ATP's standard season-concluding position determination.
The modification is aimed at preventing players from chasing position points during what is basically the off-season.
Professional Adjustments
This season has been a difficult one for Boulter.
She won only fourteen elite primary competition matches and recently split with instructor Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy partnership in which she secured three WTA victories.
"Biljana is an exceptional instructor, and an exceptionally excellent human as well, which makes things extremely hard," Boulter stated.
The pursuit for a new coach is actively progressing, seeking a professional who has high-level expertise as Boulter still believes she can be a elite-level player.
Career Objectives
"Moving ahead with a different trainer, an important factor I'm very clear on is that they are going to be someone who has extensive experience in how to make it to the very top level of this profession," she explained.
"I've been ranked as high as 23 and I believe I can return to that level. I don't believe my standard has gone anywhere, I believe the consistency must enhance.
"My goal is not simply to be ranked 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've achieved that. The aim is to be within the elite group."