Physical Health versus Ranking - Katie Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Predicament
Britain's Katie Boulter admits she feels she has to "decide between my physical health and my world standing" as the scramble carries on for a spot in the upcoming January Australian Open main draw.
While the typical WTA Tour season is completed, there are still standing points to be gained in South American nations, regional locations, various venues and France.
The female competitor lineup for the opening Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be based on the global standings of 8 December, which could cause a challenging situation for competitors approaching the selection threshold.
Injury Concerns
Previous British leading competitor Boulter suffered an hip muscle in her last tournament of the year in Asian venues last period, and is now considering whether to participate in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in European venues, France, in the first week of December.
The athlete's recent injury, and the situation she would need to secure at least three matches in the French tournament to improve her ranking, means she may well end up not playing.
Different Systems
In comparison, male athletes are not experiencing the same dilemma, as for the initial instance the male Australian Open entry list will be established from current week's rankings, which is the ATP's official annual-final standing calculation.
The modification is aimed at deterring competitors from seeking standing points during what is essentially the break period.
Coaching Changes
This season has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She won only fourteen elite main-draw matches and lately split with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy partnership in which she won three WTA titles.
"Biljana is an incredible instructor, and an exceptionally quality person as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter said.
The quest for a new trainer is currently ongoing, searching for an individual who has elite background as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class athlete.
Professional Aspirations
"Progressing with a replacement instructor, one thing I'm very clear on is that they are going to be an individual who has a lot of knowledge in how to advance to the peak performance of this game," she explained.
"I've been placed as advanced as 23 and I know I can return there. I am not convinced my standard has diminished, I feel the steadiness needs to improve.
"My goal is not simply to be positioned fifty, forty, thirty, 20 - we've accomplished that. The aim is to be inside the elite group."