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Britain's Katie Boulter admits she feels she has to "decide between my physical condition and my professional position" as the race continues for a spot in next January's Australian Open main event.

While the typical WTA Tour season is completed, there are still position points to be gained in South American nations, neighboring countries, Ecuador and European destinations.

The women's competitor lineup for the initial Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be determined by the international positions of early December, which could present a difficult choice for athletes near the qualification line.

Injury Concerns

Former British top-ranked player Boulter tore an hip muscle in her last tournament of the year in Asian venues last timeframe, and is now considering whether to play in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, the continental destination, in the first week of December.

The athlete's current physical issue, and the situation she would need to secure at least multiple victories in the European event to boost her ranking, means she may probably ultimately not competing.

Contrasting Methods

In contrast, men's competitors are not facing the equivalent situation, 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 standing calculation.

The adjustment is aimed at preventing competitors from seeking standing points during what is basically the off-season.

Coaching Changes

This period has been a difficult one for Boulter.

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

"Biljana is an incredible coach, and an extremely good human as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter stated.

The quest for a new coach is currently ongoing, searching for a professional who has high-level expertise as Boulter still believes she can be a top-20 competitor.

Career Objectives

"Moving ahead with a new coach, a key aspect I'm absolutely certain on is that they are going to be an individual who has considerable expertise in how to make it to the peak performance of this profession," she said.

"I've been ranked as high as 23 and I believe I can return there. I don't think my level has gone anywhere, I feel the reliability should improve.

"My objective is not merely to be ranked 50, 40, thirty, 20 - we've been there. The aim is to be inside the elite group."