Physical Health versus World Standing - Boulter's Australian Open Predicament
Britain's Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "decide between my physical health and my ranking" as the scramble carries on for a spot in the upcoming January Australian Open main draw.
While the regular WTA Tour tournament schedule is over, there are still standing points to be earned in South American nations, regional locations, Ecuador and European destinations.
The women's participant roster for the initial Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be calculated from the world rankings of the December cutoff, which could create a dilemma for athletes close to the cut.
Health Challenges
Ex- British leading competitor Boulter suffered an groin injury in her final event of the year in Hong Kong last period, and is now weighing up whether to compete in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in Angers, the continental destination, in the opening days of December.
The athlete's current physical issue, and the reality she would need to secure at least several wins in the European event to enhance her standing, means she may likely ultimately not participating.
Varying Approaches
In opposition, male athletes are not confronting the identical dilemma, as for the first time the men's Australian Open entry list will be established from present week's rankings, which is the ATP's formal season-concluding ranking date.
The adjustment is intended to deterring players from chasing standing points during what is essentially the rest interval.
Professional Adjustments
This year has been a difficult one for Boulter.
She secured just fourteen elite major tournament games and lately separated with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year working relationship in which she secured three WTA titles.
"Biljana is an outstanding coach, and an exceptionally excellent individual as well, which makes things particularly challenging," Boulter commented.
The pursuit for a replacement coach is actively progressing, looking for someone who has elite experience as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a world-class player.
Career Objectives
"Progressing with a replacement instructor, a key aspect I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has a lot of expertise in how to make it to the highest echelon of this sport," she explained.
"I've been placed as high as 23 and I am confident I can climb back there. I am not convinced my performance has disappeared, I feel the steadiness must develop.
"My objective is not to be placed 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've accomplished that. The objective is to be inside the top twenty."