🔗 Share this article

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

While the regular WTA Tour tournament schedule is completed, there are still ranking points to be gained in South American nations, neighboring countries, various venues and international tournaments.

The women's entry list for the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be determined by the global standings of early December, which could cause a difficult choice for competitors approaching the cut.

Physical Setbacks

Former British leading competitor Boulter experienced an groin injury in her final event of the year in international locations last month, and is now considering whether to participate in the WTA 125 development competition in French locations, France, in the first week of December.

The athlete's ongoing health concern, and the reality she would need to secure at least several wins in the European event to boost her ranking, means she may well ultimately not competing.

Contrasting Methods

In opposition, male athletes are not facing the identical predicament, as for the first time the male Australian Open entry list will be established from this week's positions, which is the ATP's formal annual-final position determination.

The change is intended to discouraging players from seeking standing points during what is essentially the break period.

Training Transitions

This year has been a demanding one for Boulter.

She secured just 14 elite primary competition games and currently parted ways with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy partnership in which she won several WTA championships.

"Biljana is an exceptional coach, and an exceptionally quality individual as well, which produces circumstances very difficult," Boulter said.

The quest for a different instructor is currently ongoing, searching for someone who has high-level background as Boulter still believes she can be a elite-level player.

Future Goals

"Moving ahead with a new coach, an important factor I'm very clear on is that they are going to be someone who has extensive experience in how to make it to the very top level of this sport," she said.

"I've been placed as advanced as 23 and I believe I can get back there. I am not convinced my level has gone anywhere, I think the consistency needs to develop.

"My goal is not simply to be ranked fifty, 40, thirty, 20 - we've accomplished that. The objective is to be within the elite group."