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British Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "choose between my body and my ranking" as the competition carries on for a place in next January's Australian Open main draw.

While the typical WTA Tour season is completed, there are still ranking points to be won in Chile, Argentina, various venues and France.

The female competitor lineup for the opening Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be calculated from the world rankings of 8 December, which could create a dilemma for players near the qualification line.

Injury Concerns

Former British number one Boulter experienced an groin injury in her concluding competition of the year in Hong Kong last timeframe, and is now considering whether to play in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, the continental destination, in the initial week of December.

Boulter's recent injury, and the reality she would need to win at least three matches in the European event to improve her standing, means she may likely eventually not competing.

Contrasting Methods

In comparison, male players are not experiencing the identical predicament, as for the first time the men's Australian Open competitor lineup will be established from current week's standings, which is the ATP's formal year-end ranking date.

The adjustment is designed to deterring competitors from chasing position points during what is essentially the off-season.

Coaching Changes

This season has been a demanding one for Boulter.

She achieved merely 14 Tour-level main-draw contests and recently parted ways with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy working relationship in which she captured three WTA titles.

"Biljana is an exceptional trainer, and an exceptionally good human as well, which creates situations particularly challenging," Boulter stated.

The quest for a different instructor is well under way, searching for an individual who has elite expertise as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a top-20 athlete.

Professional Aspirations

"Going forward with a different trainer, one thing I'm completely sure 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 game," she stated.

"I've been positioned as elevated as 23 and I am confident I can return to that position. I don't think my standard has disappeared, I feel the reliability should improve.

"My objective is not simply to be placed 50, forty, 30, twenty - we've accomplished that. The goal is to be among the top twenty."