Physical Health versus World Standing - Boulter's Australian Open Predicament
British Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "decide between my body and my world standing" as the race continues for a spot in the upcoming January Australian Open main draw.
While the typical WTA Tour tournament schedule is completed, there are still position points to be gained in South American nations, regional locations, various venues and European destinations.
The women's competitor lineup for the initial Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be determined by the international positions of the December cutoff, which could cause a difficult choice for competitors close to the cut.
Physical Setbacks
Previous British top-ranked player Boulter experienced an groin injury in her concluding competition of the year in Hong Kong last period, and is now evaluating whether to play in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, the European nation, in the opening days of December.
Boulter's ongoing health concern, and the reality she would need to achieve at least multiple victories in the European event to improve her ranking, means she may well eventually not competing.
Different Systems
In contrast, men's competitors are not facing the equivalent situation, as for the first time the men's Australian Open participant roster will be created from this week's standings, which is the ATP's official season-concluding position determination.
The modification is intended to deterring competitors from pursuing standing points during what is fundamentally the off-season.
Professional Adjustments
This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She achieved merely fourteen Tour-level major tournament contests and recently split with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy working relationship in which she captured several WTA victories.
"Biljana is an incredible coach, and an remarkably good person as well, which creates situations particularly challenging," Boulter said.
The pursuit for a new instructor is currently ongoing, seeking a professional who has elite expertise as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a world-class player.
Professional Aspirations
"Progressing with a new coach, an important factor I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has considerable expertise in how to succeed to the highest echelon of this game," she said.
"I've been ranked as elevated as twenty-three and I am confident I can get back there. I don't think my level has disappeared, I think the steadiness should enhance.
"My objective is not simply to be positioned fifty, 40, thirty, 20 - we've accomplished that. The goal is to be within the elite group."