Physical Health versus Ranking - Katie Boulter's Australian Open Predicament
Britain's Katie Boulter admits she feels she has to "pick between my physical condition and my ranking" as the competition continues for a spot in January's Australian Open main draw.
While the standard WTA Tour tournament schedule is over, there are still ranking points to be gained in South American nations, regional locations, various venues and international tournaments.
The women's participant roster for the opening Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be determined by the international positions of the December cutoff, which could cause a difficult choice for athletes near the cut.
Injury Concerns
Previous British number one Boulter tore an abductor in her last tournament of the year in Asian venues last timeframe, and is now evaluating whether to play in the WTA 125 development competition in Angers, France, in the initial week of December.
Boulter's ongoing health concern, and the situation she would need to achieve at least multiple victories in Angers to improve her ranking, means she may probably eventually not participating.
Varying Approaches
In opposition, male players are not confronting the same predicament, as for the first time the male Australian Open participant roster will be created from present week's standings, which is the ATP's formal season-concluding ranking date.
The modification is intended to preventing competitors from pursuing standing points during what is fundamentally the break period.
Coaching Changes
This year has been a challenging one for Boulter.
She secured just fourteen Tour-level main-draw contests and recently separated with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a extended collaboration in which she secured three WTA championships.
"Biljana is an exceptional trainer, and an exceptionally quality person as well, which makes things particularly challenging," Boulter commented.
The pursuit for a replacement coach is well under way, searching for someone who has high-level background as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a top-20 player.
Professional Aspirations
"Going forward with a replacement instructor, a key aspect I'm absolutely certain on is that they are going to be a professional who has a lot of experience in how to advance to the highest echelon of this profession," she explained.
"I've been positioned as elevated as 23 and I am confident I can get back there. I don't believe my performance has gone anywhere, I believe the steadiness should enhance.
"My aim is not merely to be positioned 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've been there. The goal is to be within the elite group."