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British Katie Boulter says she feels she has to "choose between my body and my world standing" as the competition persists for a place in January's Australian Open primary competition.

While the regular WTA Tour season is finished, there are still standing points to be gained in Chile, neighboring countries, Ecuador and European destinations.

The female entry list for the opening Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be determined by the global standings of 8 December, which could cause a challenging situation for athletes near the selection threshold.

Injury Concerns

Previous British leading competitor Boulter suffered an groin injury in her last tournament of the year in Asian venues last month, and is now weighing up whether to play in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in European venues, France, in the initial week of December.

The athlete's current physical issue, and the situation she would need to secure at least several wins in Angers to improve her position, means she may well end up not playing.

Different Systems

In comparison, men's competitors are not facing the identical situation, as for the first time the male Australian Open entry list will be established from present week's rankings, which is the ATP's formal season-concluding position determination.

The change is aimed at deterring competitors from seeking standing points during what is essentially the off-season.

Professional Adjustments

This year has been a challenging one for Boulter.

She secured just fourteen elite main-draw games and recently separated with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a three-year working relationship in which she won multiple WTA victories.

"Biljana is an exceptional instructor, and an remarkably quality human as well, which produces circumstances particularly challenging," Boulter commented.

The search for a replacement instructor is currently ongoing, looking for an individual who has top-tier experience as Boulter continues to think she can be a elite-level athlete.

Professional Aspirations

"Going forward with a different trainer, a key aspect I'm very clear on is that they are going to be an individual who has a lot of expertise in how to succeed to the very top level of this game," she said.

"I've been positioned as elevated as twenty-three and I believe I can climb back to that level. I am not convinced my performance has gone anywhere, I believe the steadiness should enhance.

"My objective is not simply to be placed fifty, 40, thirty, 20 - we've achieved that. The objective is to be among the top twenty."