Physical Health versus Ranking - Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Predicament
British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "choose between my body and my world standing" as the race carries on for a place in January's Australian Open main event.
While the standard WTA Tour tournament schedule is finished, there are still ranking points to be gained in South American nations, regional locations, Ecuador and France.
The female entry list for the initial Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be based on the world rankings of the December cutoff, which could create a difficult choice for athletes close to the cut.
Health Challenges
Former British leading competitor Boulter experienced an groin injury in her final event of the year in Asian venues last timeframe, and is now weighing up whether to compete in the WTA 125 Challenger event in European venues, the continental destination, in the first week of December.
Boulter's recent injury, and the situation she would need to secure at least multiple victories in the French tournament to enhance her position, means she may likely eventually not participating.
Contrasting Methods
In opposition, men's competitors are not confronting the same predicament, as for the initial instance the men's Australian Open entry list will be drawn up from current week's standings, which is the ATP's official year-end position determination.
The change is intended to deterring athletes from chasing standing points during what is fundamentally the break period.
Coaching Changes
This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She secured just 14 Tour-level main-draw contests and currently parted ways with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year collaboration in which she secured several WTA championships.
"Biljana is an outstanding trainer, and an extremely excellent individual as well, which creates situations extremely hard," Boulter commented.
The quest for a replacement coach is currently ongoing, looking for a professional who has elite background as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class athlete.
Career Objectives
"Going forward with a replacement instructor, one thing I'm very clear on is that they are going to be an individual who has considerable experience in how to make it to the highest echelon of this sport," she said.
"I've been positioned as advanced as 23 and I believe I can climb back there. I don't think my performance has gone anywhere, I think the steadiness needs to develop.
"My goal is not to be placed 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've been there. The aim is to be among the top twenty."