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British Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "choose between my physical condition and my professional position" as the race continues for a place in next January's Australian Open primary competition.

While the typical WTA Tour competitive period is over, there are still standing points to be gained in Latin American countries, regional locations, multiple sites and European destinations.

The women's competitor lineup for the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be based on the global standings of early December, which could create a challenging situation for competitors close to the selection threshold.

Physical Setbacks

Ex- British top-ranked player Boulter experienced an groin injury in her final event of the year in Hong Kong last month, and is now evaluating whether to participate in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, France, in the first week of December.

Boulter's ongoing health concern, and the situation she would need to win at least several wins in the French tournament to enhance her position, means she may probably ultimately not playing.

Different Systems

In contrast, male players are not facing the equivalent dilemma, as for the initial instance the men's Australian Open competitor lineup will be established from current week's rankings, which is the ATP's standard year-end position determination.

The change is intended to preventing athletes from chasing position points during what is fundamentally the break period.

Professional Adjustments

This period has been a difficult one for Boulter.

She secured just fourteen elite primary competition games and currently separated with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year collaboration in which she won multiple WTA titles.

"Biljana is an exceptional trainer, and an extremely good individual as well, which creates situations extremely hard," Boulter said.

The pursuit for a replacement coach is actively progressing, looking for someone who has top-tier experience as Boulter continues to think she can be a world-class competitor.

Future Goals

"Moving ahead with a replacement instructor, one thing I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has a lot of experience in how to advance to the peak performance of this profession," she stated.

"I've been placed as advanced as 23 and I know I can return to that level. I don't believe my level has gone anywhere, I believe the reliability needs to improve.

"My aim is not to be placed fifty, 40, 30, 20 - we've accomplished that. The aim is to be within 20."