Physical Health versus World Standing - Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Predicament
British Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "choose between my physical health and my ranking" as the scramble continues for a position in January's Australian Open main draw.
While the typical WTA Tour season is finished, there are still position points to be gained in Latin American countries, regional locations, Ecuador and European destinations.
The female competitor lineup for the opening Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be calculated from the world rankings of 8 December, which could create a dilemma for players close to the qualification line.
Physical Setbacks
Former British number one Boulter tore an groin injury in her final event of the year in Asian venues last timeframe, and is now weighing up whether to play in the WTA 125 development competition in French locations, France, in the first week of December.
The athlete's current physical issue, and the reality she would need to win at least multiple victories in the French tournament to improve her position, means she may likely ultimately not competing.
Varying Approaches
In contrast, male players are not experiencing the equivalent situation, as for the premier occasion the men's Australian Open participant roster will be established from current week's standings, which is the ATP's standard season-concluding standing calculation.
The change is aimed at preventing athletes from seeking standing points during what is basically the off-season.
Professional Adjustments
This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She achieved merely fourteen Tour-level major tournament contests and currently split with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year collaboration in which she won several WTA victories.
"Biljana is an exceptional instructor, and an remarkably good person as well, which makes things extremely hard," Boulter said.
The quest for a new instructor is well under way, seeking an individual who has top-tier expertise as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a elite-level athlete.
Future Goals
"Going forward with a new coach, an important factor I'm very clear on is that they are going to be someone who has a lot of experience in how to advance to the very top level of this profession," she explained.
"I've been positioned as elevated as twenty-three and I believe I can get back to that level. I am not convinced my performance has diminished, I believe the reliability should improve.
"My aim is not merely to be placed fifty, 40, 30, twenty - we've accomplished that. The aim is to be among the elite group."