Physical Health versus Ranking - Katie Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Predicament
British Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "choose between my physical condition and my professional position" as the competition continues for a place in next January's Australian Open main draw.
While the typical WTA Tour season is over, there are still ranking points to be earned in South American nations, neighboring countries, various venues and France.
The women's competitor lineup for the first Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be based on the international positions of 8 December, which could present a dilemma for players near the cut.
Injury Concerns
Previous British number one Boulter tore an groin injury in her last tournament of the year in international locations last month, and is now weighing up whether to play in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, the continental destination, in the first week of December.
The athlete's ongoing health concern, and the situation she would need to achieve at least multiple victories in the European event to boost her standing, means she may probably end up not participating.
Varying Approaches
In opposition, men's competitors are not experiencing the same predicament, as for the initial instance the men's Australian Open competitor lineup will be created from current week's standings, which is the ATP's formal season-concluding position determination.
The modification is aimed at deterring players from seeking position points during what is essentially the break period.
Training Transitions
This year has been a difficult one for Boulter.
She won only 14 professional main-draw games and recently parted ways with instructor Biljana Veselinovic after a extended partnership in which she secured several WTA victories.
"Biljana is an outstanding instructor, and an exceptionally good human as well, which makes things very difficult," Boulter said.
The search for a replacement trainer is well under way, searching for a professional who has top-tier experience as Boulter still believes she can be a top-20 competitor.
Career Objectives
"Going forward with a different trainer, an important factor I'm absolutely certain on is that they are going to be an individual who has extensive expertise in how to advance to the peak performance of this game," she stated.
"I've been ranked as advanced as 23 and I believe I can return there. I don't believe my level has gone anywhere, I believe the steadiness should develop.
"My aim is not merely to be placed fifty, 40, 30, twenty - we've achieved that. The objective is to be inside 20."