🔗 Share this article

Britain's Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "choose between my physical health and my ranking" as the scramble continues for a spot in January's Australian Open main draw.

While the regular WTA Tour competitive period is over, there are still ranking points to be earned in South American nations, regional locations, multiple sites and European destinations.

The women's participant roster for the opening Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be based on the international positions of 8 December, which could create a difficult choice for competitors approaching the qualification line.

Physical Setbacks

Previous British leading competitor Boulter suffered an groin injury in her final event of the year in Hong Kong last month, and is now considering whether to compete in the WTA 125 development competition in French locations, the European nation, in the initial week of December.

The athlete's recent injury, and the situation she would need to achieve at least several wins in the French tournament to enhance her ranking, means she may well end up not competing.

Contrasting Methods

In comparison, male players are not experiencing the equivalent predicament, as for the initial instance the male Australian Open competitor lineup will be drawn up from present week's positions, which is the ATP's official year-end standing calculation.

The change is designed to discouraging competitors from seeking ranking points during what is essentially the off-season.

Coaching Changes

This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.

She secured just fourteen Tour-level primary competition matches and currently separated with instructor Biljana Veselinovic after a extended partnership in which she secured three WTA victories.

"Biljana is an exceptional trainer, and an extremely quality person as well, which produces circumstances extremely hard," Boulter said.

The quest for a new trainer is well under way, seeking someone who has high-level experience as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a elite-level athlete.

Professional Aspirations

"Progressing with a different trainer, one thing I'm very clear on is that they are going to be a professional who has a lot of knowledge in how to advance to the very top level of this game," she explained.

"I've been ranked as elevated as 23 and I believe I can get back to that position. I am not convinced my standard has diminished, I believe the consistency should develop.

"My aim is not simply to be ranked 50, 40, 30, twenty - we've accomplished that. The objective is to be inside the elite group."