Katie Boulter has urged the WTA to follow the ATP's lead by implementing an end-of-season ranking cut-off for Australian Open entry lists, following her anxious wait to discover whether she would compete in Melbourne.
The British No.4, currently ranked 113th in the world, believes the women's tour should adopt November rankings to determine Grand Slam entries.
"I feel like the WTA should maybe follow that, because I'm kind of there, middle of my pre-season, wondering whether I should be going to play, because other people are playing," Boulter explained.
"I think that's quite unsettling. It also really doesn't give a chance for the players to get a proper pre-season in."
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Boulter's path to the main draw proved particularly nerve-wracking.
Having slipped outside the world's top 100, she was initially placed in the qualifying competition and missed the direct entry cut-off.
The 28-year-old only learned of her reprieve after multiple players withdrew from the tournament.
Katie Boulter has opened up on what she described as a 'stressful ordeal'
|REUTERS
"I found out literally after the draw came out around 5pm [on Sunday]. Dino texted me saying that someone pulled out," she revealed.
"I think that was a pretty tough day in terms of just trying to keep straight and not think too much. Yeah, I mean, it worked out eventually."
She acknowledged the experience had been "pretty stressful" despite her efforts to remain focused on preparation.
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PAThe British player is looking to reset following a challenging 2025 campaign marred by injuries and inconsistent performances.
She has enlisted Michael Joyce as her new coach, with the pair beginning their collaboration at the end of last year.
"I feel like it's going well at the moment. I think we're all quite calm, which really helps because I've got that energy around me, which is important for me as a tennis player," Boulter said of the partnership.
She added that everything was progressing positively and expressed her desire to build upon the foundations they have established together.
Beyond the tennis court, Boulter has significant personal milestones ahead.
She is set to marry world No.6 Alex de Minaur this year, a prospect that has given her considerable joy.
Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur are set to marry this year
| INSTAGRAM"It felt good to kind of enter a new year," she said.
"I mean, I've said this already like 100 times this year. I'm getting married this year," she smiled.
The upcoming nuptials have provided Boulter with perspective on the season ahead.
"It's going to be an unbelievable year, one of the best ones in my life, no matter what happens on the tennis court.
"I think for me that's already given me a positive push."