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British Katie Boulter admits she feels she has to "choose between my physical condition and my ranking" as the competition continues for a place in January's Australian Open main event.

While the typical WTA Tour tournament schedule is completed, there are still standing points to be earned in Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and international tournaments.

The female competitor lineup for the initial Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be determined by the global standings of early December, which could present a challenging situation for athletes close to the selection threshold.

Physical Setbacks

Ex- British top-ranked player Boulter suffered 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 secondary tournament in Angers, France, in the opening days of December.

Boulter's recent injury, and the situation she would need to win at least three matches in the French tournament to enhance her position, means she may well eventually not playing.

Contrasting Methods

In contrast, male players are not facing the same dilemma, as for the initial instance the male Australian Open competitor lineup will be created from present week's positions, which is the ATP's official season-concluding position determination.

The change is designed to discouraging competitors from seeking ranking points during what is fundamentally the off-season.

Professional Adjustments

This period has been a challenging one for Boulter.

She won only fourteen elite main-draw contests and lately separated with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a extended collaboration in which she secured three WTA championships.

"Biljana is an exceptional instructor, and an extremely good individual as well, which creates situations particularly challenging," Boulter commented.

The quest for a new trainer is well under way, looking for a professional who has high-level background as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a top-20 competitor.

Professional Aspirations

"Moving ahead with a new coach, one thing I'm completely sure on is that they are going to be someone who has extensive expertise in how to succeed to the highest echelon of this game," she explained.

"I've been positioned as elevated as 23 and I am confident I can return there. I don't believe my standard has diminished, I believe the steadiness needs to develop.

"My aim is not merely to be positioned 50, forty, thirty, 20 - we've been there. The aim is to be inside 20."