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British Katie Boulter states she believes she has to "pick between my physical condition and my world standing" as the scramble continues for a place in January's Australian Open main draw.

While the regular WTA Tour tournament schedule is completed, there are still position points to be earned in South American nations, Argentina, multiple sites and France.

The female entry list for the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be based on the world rankings of 8 December, which could cause a difficult choice for players near the selection threshold.

Health Challenges

Previous British number one Boulter experienced an hip muscle in her final event of the year in Asian venues last month, and is now evaluating whether to compete in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in French locations, the European nation, in the opening days of December.

Boulter's current physical issue, and the situation she would need to achieve at least three matches in the French tournament to enhance her ranking, means she may well eventually not participating.

Contrasting Methods

In contrast, male athletes are not facing the identical situation, as for the first time the male Australian Open competitor lineup will be drawn up from this week's rankings, which is the ATP's standard year-end standing calculation.

The adjustment is aimed at preventing competitors from pursuing standing points during what is basically the rest interval.

Training Transitions

This season has been a demanding one for Boulter.

She secured just 14 Tour-level primary competition games and recently parted ways with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy collaboration in which she captured several WTA titles.

"Biljana is an exceptional coach, and an remarkably excellent individual as well, which makes things very difficult," Boulter said.

The search for a new trainer is currently ongoing, looking for a professional who has high-level background as Boulter still believes she can be a top-20 athlete.

Professional Aspirations

"Going forward with a different trainer, a key aspect I'm very clear on is that they are going to be a professional who has extensive experience in how to advance to the highest echelon of this profession," she explained.

"I've been positioned as advanced as twenty-three and I am confident I can get back there. I am not convinced my level has disappeared, I think the reliability must enhance.

"My aim is not to be ranked fifty, forty, 30, 20 - we've been there. The aim is to be inside the top twenty."