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British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "choose between my body and my professional position" as the race carries on for a position in the upcoming January Australian Open primary competition.

While the typical WTA Tour tournament schedule is finished, there are still ranking points to be gained in South American nations, neighboring countries, multiple sites and international tournaments.

The women's participant roster for the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be determined by the international positions of 8 December, which could present a challenging situation for competitors approaching the qualification line.

Health Challenges

Ex- British number one Boulter experienced an groin injury in her final event of the year in Asian venues last timeframe, and is now considering whether to compete in the WTA 125 development competition in European venues, the continental destination, in the initial week of December.

The athlete's recent injury, and the fact she would need to win at least multiple victories in the European event to enhance her position, means she may well end up not competing.

Varying Approaches

In comparison, men's competitors are not experiencing the same dilemma, as for the premier occasion the male Australian Open participant roster will be created from present week's positions, which is the ATP's official year-end standing calculation.

The adjustment is intended to deterring competitors from pursuing position points during what is essentially the break period.

Coaching Changes

This season has been a demanding one for Boulter.

She achieved merely 14 elite main-draw matches and recently parted ways with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a extended partnership in which she won multiple WTA titles.

"Biljana is an outstanding trainer, and an exceptionally good person as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter stated.

The search for a different coach is currently ongoing, seeking someone who has top-tier background as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class player.

Professional Aspirations

"Moving ahead with a different trainer, one thing I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be an individual who has considerable experience in how to succeed to the peak performance of this sport," she said.

"I've been placed as high as 23 and I know I can climb back to that level. I am not convinced my level has diminished, I think the reliability needs to enhance.

"My objective is not simply to be placed fifty, 40, 30, twenty - we've accomplished that. The goal is to be inside the top twenty."