Body versus World Standing - Katie Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Dilemma
Britain's Katie Boulter admits she feels she has to "decide between my physical health and my professional position" as the race persists for a spot in the upcoming January Australian Open main draw.
While the regular WTA Tour tournament schedule is over, there are still position points to be won in Chile, regional locations, various venues and international tournaments.
The female competitor lineup for the first Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be determined by the world rankings of 8 December, which could cause a dilemma for players close to the selection threshold.
Injury Concerns
Former British leading competitor Boulter experienced an hip muscle in her last tournament of the year in Hong Kong last timeframe, and is now weighing up whether to compete in the WTA 125 Challenger event in French locations, the European nation, in the opening days of December.
Boulter's recent injury, and the reality she would need to secure at least three matches in Angers to enhance her ranking, means she may likely end up not playing.
Contrasting Methods
In opposition, male athletes are not facing the identical predicament, as for the initial instance the men's Australian Open competitor lineup will be created from present week's positions, which is the ATP's formal season-concluding position determination.
The adjustment is designed to discouraging competitors from pursuing standing points during what is basically the break period.
Coaching Changes
This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She achieved merely 14 Tour-level major tournament contests and lately parted ways with instructor Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy partnership in which she won three WTA titles.
"Biljana is an outstanding instructor, and an extremely good person as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter stated.
The quest for a replacement coach is well under way, looking for an individual who has top-tier background as Boulter still believes she can be a world-class competitor.
Career Objectives
"Moving ahead with a different trainer, an important factor I'm very clear on is that they are going to be someone who has considerable knowledge in how to make it to the very top level of this profession," she said.
"I've been ranked as high as twenty-three and I believe I can climb back to that level. I don't think my level has gone anywhere, I feel the steadiness needs to enhance.
"My aim is not to be positioned fifty, 40, thirty, twenty - we've accomplished that. The aim is to be among the elite group."