Body or World Standing - Boulter's Australian Open Predicament
British Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "decide between my physical health and my professional position" as the competition carries on for a position in next January's Australian Open main event.
While the regular WTA Tour season is over, there are still ranking points to be won in South American nations, regional locations, various venues and European destinations.
The female competitor lineup for the opening Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be determined by the international positions of 8 December, which could cause a dilemma for athletes near the selection threshold.
Health Challenges
Previous British number one Boulter tore an hip muscle in her final event of the year in Asian venues last month, and is now weighing up whether to compete in the WTA 125 development competition in Angers, the continental destination, in the initial week of December.
The athlete's recent injury, and the reality she would need to achieve at least multiple victories in the French tournament to enhance her ranking, means she may probably ultimately not playing.
Contrasting Methods
In contrast, male players are not experiencing the identical situation, as for the initial instance the male Australian Open competitor lineup will be drawn up from current week's positions, which is the ATP's formal season-concluding standing calculation.
The modification is intended to deterring competitors from pursuing ranking points during what is basically the break period.
Coaching Changes
This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She won only 14 professional main-draw games and currently separated with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a extended working relationship in which she secured several WTA titles.
"Biljana is an incredible trainer, and an remarkably quality human as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter stated.
The pursuit for a different instructor is currently ongoing, looking for a professional who has elite expertise as Boulter still believes she can be a elite-level competitor.
Professional Aspirations
"Going forward with a new coach, an important factor I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be an individual who has extensive knowledge in how to make it to the peak performance of this game," she said.
"I've been ranked as high as 23 and I am confident I can return to that level. I am not convinced my level has disappeared, I think the reliability must develop.
"My goal is not merely to be ranked fifty, 40, 30, 20 - we've been there. The goal is to be inside the top twenty."