Katie Boulter is facing quite a dilemma this offseason as she has to pick between securing a direct Australian Open entry or giving herself some rest time.
Boulter, who achieved a career-high ranking of No. 23 in November 2024, had a pretty bad second part of the 2025 season - which included picking up four consecutive losses between July and August. Overall, the British tennis player managed to clinch just three WTA main-draw wins after Wimbledon.
As expected, Boulter's bad form also led to a ranking plummet and she is now ranked at No. 100 in the world. And while 104 players will directly make the Australian Open, there are also certain players who will use a protected ranking, while some players plan on competing in the next two weeks - which could possibly drop the Briton further down in the rankings.
ADVERTISEMENT
On December 1st, a WTA 125 (Challenger) tournament in Angers is starting. If Boulter signs up and does solid at least, she should have enough to secure a direct Australian Open entry. But that also means that she will have to compete in December.
Boulter: I have to choose between by body or my ranking...
"If there are tournaments there, it gives you an opportunity because you want to make the main draw of Australia. I'm in this predicament myself right now, and it's almost like I have to choose between my body or my ranking. I think I know my own right choice, but it's difficult because it means that everyone else is going to be playing and passing me," the world No. 100 told BBC Sport.
In the same interview, the Briton insisted that she believes she has what it takes to even beat her previous career-high ranking of No. 23 in the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I've been ranked as high as 23 and I know I can get back there. I don't think my level has gone anywhere, I think the consistency needs to improve. My goal is not to be ranked 50, 40, 30, 20 - we've been there. The goal is to be inside 20," Boulter stated.
