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British Katie Boulter admits she feels she has to "pick between my body and my world standing" as the competition persists for a spot in January's Australian Open primary competition.

While the typical WTA Tour competitive period is over, there are still position points to be gained in South American nations, neighboring countries, various venues and European destinations.

The female entry list for the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be determined by the international positions of 8 December, which could present a difficult choice for competitors near the selection threshold.

Health Challenges

Ex- British number one Boulter suffered an groin injury in her concluding competition of the year in Hong Kong last timeframe, and is now weighing up whether to play in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, the European nation, in the opening days of December.

The athlete's ongoing health concern, and the reality she would need to secure at least multiple victories in Angers to improve her position, means she may probably ultimately not competing.

Varying Approaches

In opposition, men's competitors are not facing the equivalent dilemma, as for the initial instance the men's Australian Open entry list will be created from current week's standings, which is the ATP's formal annual-final position determination.

The adjustment is aimed at discouraging competitors from chasing ranking points during what is essentially the off-season.

Professional Adjustments

This year has been a challenging one for Boulter.

She won only fourteen elite major tournament contests and lately parted ways with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy working relationship in which she won several WTA titles.

"Biljana is an exceptional trainer, and an extremely quality person as well, which creates situations particularly challenging," Boulter commented.

The quest for a replacement trainer is well under way, looking for someone who has elite expertise as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class competitor.

Future Goals

"Going forward with a replacement instructor, a key aspect I'm very clear on is that they are going to be an individual who has extensive knowledge in how to advance to the very top level of this profession," she said.

"I've been placed as high as 23 and I know I can return to that position. I don't think my performance has disappeared, I believe the consistency should enhance.

"My objective is not simply to be placed 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've been there. The objective is to be inside 20."