Boulter dilemma ahead of first Grand Slam of the new year

FORMER BRITISH NO.1 IS FACING A CHOICE BETWEEN BODY AND RANKING POINTS

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KATIE Boulter is facing a “predicament” about choosing between her body and her ranking as the fight continues for a place in January's Australian Open main draw.

The Leicestershire star, who suffered a hip injury in October, is weighing up whether to compete in the WTA 125 Challenger event in Angers, France, in the first week of December.

While the regular WTA Tour season is over, there are still ranking points to be won in Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and France.

The women’s entry list for the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season will be based on the world rankings of December 8, which could cause a dilemma for players close to the cut.

Although 104 players will receive direct entry into the Melbourne draw, that includes those with protected rankings, meaning Boulter could miss out despite currently occupying 100th spot.

"If there are tournaments there, it gives you an opportunity because you want to make the main draw of Australia," Boulter, 29, of Woodhouse Eaves, told BBC Sport.