Body or World Standing - Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Dilemma
British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "decide between my physical health and my professional position" as the competition persists for a place in the upcoming January Australian Open primary competition.
While the typical WTA Tour tournament schedule is finished, there are still ranking points to be won in Latin American countries, regional locations, multiple sites and European destinations.
The female entry list for the initial Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be based on the global standings of early December, which could create a difficult choice for athletes approaching the selection threshold.
Injury Concerns
Ex- British number one Boulter experienced an groin injury in her concluding competition of the year in Hong Kong last month, and is now considering whether to play in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in Angers, the European nation, in the opening days of December.
Boulter's recent injury, and the situation she would need to secure at least three matches in the European event to improve her ranking, means she may likely ultimately not playing.
Different Systems
In comparison, men's competitors are not facing the same dilemma, as for the initial instance the men's Australian Open entry list will be created from present week's rankings, which is the ATP's official season-concluding standing calculation.
The adjustment is intended to preventing competitors from seeking ranking points during what is basically the off-season.
Training Transitions
This period has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She won only 14 elite major tournament matches and currently split with instructor Biljana Veselinovic after a extended working relationship in which she secured multiple WTA championships.
"Biljana is an exceptional instructor, and an extremely excellent person as well, which makes things very difficult," Boulter said.
The pursuit for a different instructor is currently ongoing, seeking an individual who has top-tier background as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class player.
Professional Aspirations
"Progressing with a replacement instructor, one thing I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has extensive knowledge in how to make it to the peak performance of this profession," she said.
"I've been positioned as high as twenty-three and I know I can climb back there. I don't think my standard has gone anywhere, I feel the consistency must improve.
"My objective is not merely to be ranked 50, forty, 30, 20 - we've accomplished that. The aim is to be within the top twenty."