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Britain's Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "decide between my physical condition and my professional position" as the race carries on for a place in the upcoming January Australian Open main event.

While the regular WTA Tour season is over, there are still ranking points to be earned in Chile, neighboring countries, Ecuador and France.

The women's entry list for the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be determined by the world rankings of early December, which could present a difficult choice for players close to the selection threshold.

Health Challenges

Former British top-ranked player Boulter tore an hip muscle in her concluding competition of the year in Asian venues last month, and is now considering whether to compete in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in French locations, France, in the opening days of December.

The athlete's current physical issue, and the situation she would need to secure at least three matches in the French tournament to improve her ranking, means she may well end up not playing.

Contrasting Methods

In opposition, male athletes are not facing the identical dilemma, as for the first time the male Australian Open participant roster will be established from this week's standings, which is the ATP's standard annual-final position determination.

The modification is designed to discouraging competitors from chasing position points during what is basically the off-season.

Professional Adjustments

This period has been a difficult one for Boulter.

She secured just fourteen professional primary competition games and recently separated with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy partnership in which she won three WTA victories.

"Biljana is an exceptional instructor, and an exceptionally quality individual as well, which makes things particularly challenging," Boulter said.

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

Future Goals

"Progressing with a different trainer, an important factor I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has considerable expertise in how to succeed to the peak performance of this profession," she stated.

"I've been placed as high as 23 and I believe I can return to that level. I am not convinced my level has disappeared, I believe the consistency must enhance.

"My objective is not merely to be placed fifty, 40, 30, 20 - we've accomplished that. The aim is to be among the top twenty."