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

While the regular WTA Tour competitive period is over, there are still ranking points to be won in Chile, regional locations, Ecuador and France.

The female entry list for the first Grand Slam of the upcoming season will be based on the international positions of the December cutoff, which could present a dilemma for athletes near the selection threshold.

Physical Setbacks

Previous British number one Boulter experienced an hip muscle in her last tournament of the year in Asian venues last period, and is now considering whether to participate in the WTA 125 secondary tournament in French locations, France, in the first week of December.

Boulter's recent injury, and the situation she would need to achieve at least multiple victories in the French tournament to enhance her position, means she may well end up not competing.

Varying Approaches

In contrast, male athletes are not confronting the same dilemma, as for the first time the male Australian Open participant roster will be created from this week's rankings, which is the ATP's formal annual-final ranking date.

The change is designed to preventing athletes from pursuing position points during what is basically the break period.

Training Transitions

This year has been a challenging one for Boulter.

She won only 14 professional main-draw contests and recently parted ways with coach Biljana Veselinovic after a lengthy working relationship in which she won several WTA titles.

"Biljana is an exceptional coach, and an remarkably good person as well, which produces circumstances very difficult," Boulter said.

The search for a new instructor is well under way, seeking an individual who has elite expertise as Boulter still believes she can be a top-20 player.

Professional Aspirations

"Progressing with a replacement instructor, one thing I'm very clear on is that they are going to be a professional who has extensive knowledge in how to advance to the very top level of this game," she explained.

"I've been positioned as advanced as twenty-three and I believe I can get back to that position. I am not convinced my level has gone anywhere, I feel the consistency should improve.

"My objective is not to be placed fifty, forty, thirty, 20 - we've been there. The objective is to be within the top twenty."