Katie Boulter is determined to reclaim her position among the elite in women’s tennis after experiencing a challenging year that has seen her ranking slip to No. 100 in the world. With aspirations to break into the Top 20 by next season, Boulter remains optimistic about her chances.
Having reached a career-high ranking of No. 23 in the past, Boulter is resolute in her belief that her skills have not diminished. “The level is still there; it’s just about improving consistency,” she remarked, emphasizing her ambition to surpass her previous rankings. “My goal is to be inside the Top 20. I’ve experienced other ranks, but nothing less than that will suffice.”
As she looks ahead, Boulter faces uncertainty regarding her entry into the 2026 Australian Open. Given that the main draw entry will be determined based on world rankings as of December 8, she may need to navigate qualifying rounds instead, especially as the entry list includes players with protected rankings. This could potentially complicate her path, particularly following a hip injury she sustained in October.
“This timing creates a predicament,” Boulter shared with the media earlier this week. “It’s about deciding what’s best for my body versus my ranking, and it’s a tough choice.” She acknowledges the pressure of her peers continuing to compete, which could further jeopardize her chances of direct entry into the tournament.
While the WTA Tour’s regular season has concluded, additional ranking points are still at stake in tournaments across Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and France. Unlike the women, men’s rankings for the Australian Open now wrap up according to the ATP’s official year-end standings, which helps avoid the issue of chasing points during the off-season.
Boulter believes that this shift in focus is necessary to prevent overexertion and to prioritize recovery. “I’ve seen too many players burning out or stepping back because of both physical and mental challenges,” she observed.
She recently faced another setback, having torn an abductor muscle at her last event in Hong Kong and is considering whether to participate in the WTA 125 event in Angers, France, early in December. Despite being the fifth-ranked player in Britain, Boulter’s season output was marred by injuries, and the requirement to win multiple matches in Angers to improve her ranking is daunting.
Moreover, she has made the difficult decision to part ways with her coach Biljana Veselinovic, after three years together that yielded notable success with three WTA titles. “Biljana is a remarkable coach and an even better person, making this decision tough,” Boulter explained. “However, we both felt it was time for a change.”
As Boulter seeks a new coaching direction, she remains committed to refining her game. “The next coach must bring a wealth of experience in reaching the top level,” she stated, reaffirming her intent to return to the Top 20. “I know I can get back there; I simply need to enhance my consistency.”
With her sights firmly set on improvement, Katie Boulter is eager to leave behind a difficult year and embrace the challenges of the upcoming season, aiming to once again shine on the grand stages of tennis.
