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British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "choose between my body and my ranking" as the competition persists for a position in the upcoming January Australian Open main event.

While the typical WTA Tour competitive period is completed, there are still ranking points to be gained in Chile, regional locations, Ecuador and international tournaments.

The female competitor lineup for the initial Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be based on the world rankings of the December cutoff, which could create a difficult choice for athletes approaching the selection threshold.

Health Challenges

Previous British number one Boulter suffered an abductor in her final event of the year in Asian venues last timeframe, and is now considering whether to compete in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in European venues, the European nation, in the initial week of December.

The athlete's current physical issue, and the situation she would need to secure at least several wins in the European event to improve her standing, means she may probably ultimately not participating.

Varying Approaches

In opposition, men's competitors are not facing the same dilemma, as for the first time the men's Australian Open participant roster will be established from present week's standings, which is the ATP's formal season-concluding position determination.

The change is intended to deterring competitors from chasing standing points during what is basically the break period.

Professional Adjustments

This period has been a demanding one for Boulter.

She achieved merely 14 professional primary competition matches and recently parted ways with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year working relationship in which she won multiple WTA titles.

"Biljana is an outstanding trainer, and an remarkably quality person as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter said.

The pursuit for a different coach is currently ongoing, looking for a professional who has top-tier experience as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a top-20 player.

Future Goals

"Progressing with a different trainer, an important factor I'm absolutely certain on is that they are going to be a professional who has a lot of expertise in how to advance to the very top level of this profession," she explained.

"I've been placed as elevated as twenty-three and I am confident I can get back to that position. I don't think my performance has diminished, I think the reliability should develop.

"My goal is not simply to be ranked fifty, 40, thirty, twenty - we've been there. The aim is to be within the elite group."