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Britain's Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "pick between my body and my professional position" as the scramble persists for a position in January's Australian Open primary competition.

While the typical WTA Tour tournament schedule is completed, there are still ranking points to be earned in South American nations, Argentina, various venues and European destinations.

The female competitor lineup for the opening Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be determined by the world rankings of early December, which could create a dilemma for players approaching the qualification line.

Physical Setbacks

Former British leading competitor Boulter suffered an abductor in her last tournament of the year in international locations last month, and is now evaluating whether to compete in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in European venues, the continental destination, in the initial week of December.

Boulter's recent injury, and the reality she would need to secure at least several wins in the European event to enhance her standing, means she may well end up not competing.

Contrasting Methods

In opposition, male players are not confronting the equivalent predicament, as for the first time the male Australian Open participant roster will be created from present week's standings, which is the ATP's standard year-end position determination.

The change is intended to deterring competitors from chasing ranking points during what is essentially the rest interval.

Professional Adjustments

This period has been a challenging one for Boulter.

She achieved merely 14 elite main-draw contests and recently parted ways with instructor Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy partnership in which she secured multiple WTA championships.

"Biljana is an incredible coach, and an remarkably quality person as well, which makes things extremely hard," Boulter commented.

The search for a new instructor is actively progressing, looking for an individual who has elite experience as Boulter continues to think she can be a top-20 athlete.

Professional Aspirations

"Going forward with a different trainer, an important factor I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has considerable knowledge in how to make it to the highest echelon of this sport," she said.

"I've been placed as elevated as twenty-three and I believe I can get back there. I don't think my level has gone anywhere, I think the reliability needs to improve.

"My goal is not merely to be ranked fifty, forty, thirty, 20 - we've achieved that. The goal is to be inside the top twenty."