Body versus Ranking - Boulter's Australian Open Dilemma
British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "pick between my body and my world standing" as the scramble carries on for a place in next January's Australian Open main draw.
While the regular WTA Tour tournament schedule is completed, there are still ranking points to be gained in Chile, neighboring countries, Ecuador and France.
The women's entry list for the first Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be determined by the world rankings of 8 December, which could cause a challenging situation for competitors close to the selection threshold.
Health Challenges
Ex- British number one Boulter tore an groin injury in her final event of the year in Asian venues last timeframe, and is now considering whether to compete in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in French locations, the European nation, in the opening days of December.
The athlete's ongoing health concern, and the reality she would need to win at least several wins in Angers to improve her standing, means she may probably eventually not competing.
Varying Approaches
In contrast, male athletes are not experiencing the equivalent dilemma, as for the first time the male Australian Open competitor lineup will be established from present week's standings, which is the ATP's official annual-final ranking date.
The adjustment is intended to deterring players from seeking position points during what is basically the off-season.
Training Transitions
This period has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She achieved merely 14 Tour-level major tournament matches and currently split with instructor Biljana Veselinovic after a extended working relationship in which she captured three WTA titles.
"Biljana is an incredible instructor, and an exceptionally excellent person as well, which produces circumstances very difficult," Boulter said.
The quest for a replacement instructor is well under way, looking for someone who has elite background as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class competitor.
Future Goals
"Progressing with a replacement instructor, a key aspect I'm absolutely certain on is that they are going to be a professional who has considerable expertise in how to succeed to the highest echelon of this sport," she explained.
"I've been positioned as elevated as 23 and I believe I can climb back to that position. I don't believe my performance has diminished, I feel the reliability must enhance.
"My aim is not simply to be positioned 50, 40, thirty, 20 - we've been there. The aim is to be within the elite group."