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

While the typical WTA Tour competitive period is over, there are still standing points to be earned in South American nations, Argentina, Ecuador and France.

The female competitor lineup for the first Grand Slam of the forthcoming season will be based on the world rankings of early December, which could cause a challenging situation for competitors close to the qualification line.

Injury Concerns

Previous British top-ranked player Boulter experienced an abductor in her last tournament of the year in Hong Kong last timeframe, and is now weighing up whether to participate in the WTA 125 development competition in Angers, France, in the opening days of December.

Boulter's ongoing health concern, and the situation she would need to achieve at least three matches in Angers to enhance her standing, means she may likely eventually not participating.

Varying Approaches

In comparison, male players are not confronting the same dilemma, as for the initial instance the male Australian Open competitor lineup will be drawn up from present week's positions, which is the ATP's standard season-concluding position determination.

The change is aimed at deterring athletes from seeking ranking points during what is fundamentally the break period.

Coaching Changes

This year has been a difficult one for Boulter.

She won only 14 elite major tournament games and currently split with trainer Biljana Veselinovic after a extended working relationship in which she won multiple WTA championships.

"Biljana is an outstanding instructor, and an exceptionally quality individual as well, which creates situations very difficult," Boulter commented.

The quest for a new instructor is currently ongoing, searching for someone who has elite expertise as Boulter maintains the belief she can be a world-class player.

Career Objectives

"Progressing with a replacement instructor, one thing I'm absolutely certain on is that they are going to be a professional who has considerable knowledge in how to advance to the peak performance of this profession," she said.

"I've been positioned as advanced as twenty-three and I know I can return to that position. I don't believe my standard has diminished, I think the consistency should improve.

"My aim is not to be placed 50, 40, 30, twenty - we've been there. The aim is to be inside the elite group."