Physical Health or World Standing - Boulter's Melbourne Grand Slam Dilemma
Britain's Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "choose between my physical health and my professional position" as the race continues for a spot in next January's Australian Open main draw.
While the typical WTA Tour tournament schedule is finished, there are still ranking points to be gained in South American nations, Argentina, Ecuador and European destinations.
The female competitor lineup for the opening Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be based on the world rankings of early December, which could cause a dilemma for athletes approaching the selection threshold.
Injury Concerns
Ex- British number one Boulter tore an hip muscle in her last tournament of the year in Hong Kong last timeframe, and is now evaluating whether to participate in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, the European nation, in the first week of December.
Boulter's recent injury, and the fact she would need to win at least three matches in the European event to enhance her standing, means she may well eventually not participating.
Contrasting Methods
In contrast, men's competitors are not experiencing the equivalent dilemma, as for the premier occasion the men's Australian Open competitor lineup will be drawn up from present week's standings, which is the ATP's formal season-concluding ranking date.
The change is aimed at preventing players from pursuing standing points during what is fundamentally the rest interval.
Training Transitions
This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.
She achieved merely 14 professional major tournament matches and recently split with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy working relationship in which she captured three WTA championships.
"Biljana is an incredible trainer, and an exceptionally quality individual as well, which produces circumstances particularly challenging," Boulter commented.
The pursuit for a different trainer is currently ongoing, seeking an individual who has high-level expertise as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class competitor.
Career Objectives
"Progressing with a different trainer, a key aspect I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has a lot of knowledge in how to advance to the peak performance of this game," she stated.
"I've been placed as elevated as 23 and I believe I can get back there. I don't believe my performance has gone anywhere, I believe the steadiness should improve.
"My aim is not to be placed 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've been there. The aim is to be within the top twenty."