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British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "pick between my body and my ranking" as the scramble persists for a spot in the upcoming January Australian Open main event.

While the typical WTA Tour tournament schedule is finished, there are still ranking points to be earned in Latin American countries, regional locations, Ecuador and France.

The female competitor lineup for the opening Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be determined by the world rankings of 8 December, which could present a difficult choice for competitors close to the selection threshold.

Physical Setbacks

Ex- British number one Boulter suffered an groin injury in her concluding competition of the year in Asian venues last month, and is now considering whether to participate in the WTA 125 development competition in European venues, France, in the initial week of December.

Boulter's ongoing health concern, and the situation she would need to secure at least multiple victories in Angers to improve her position, means she may likely end up not competing.

Contrasting Methods

In contrast, men's competitors are not confronting the equivalent predicament, as for the first time the male Australian Open entry list will be established from present week's positions, which is the ATP's formal year-end ranking date.

The change is intended to preventing players from seeking position points during what is essentially the rest interval.

Coaching Changes

This season has been a difficult one for Boulter.

She secured just 14 professional major tournament contests and lately parted ways with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year working relationship in which she secured three WTA titles.

"Biljana is an exceptional coach, and an extremely quality human as well, which creates situations extremely hard," Boulter stated.

The pursuit for a replacement instructor is currently ongoing, searching for someone who has elite background as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a top-20 competitor.

Future Goals

"Progressing with a different trainer, one thing I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be an individual who has a lot of knowledge in how to make it to the peak performance of this sport," she stated.

"I've been placed as elevated as 23 and I am confident I can get back to that level. I don't think my standard has diminished, I feel the reliability must enhance.

"My objective is not merely to be placed 50, forty, thirty, 20 - we've been there. The aim is to be among the elite group."