Boulter Misses Direct Australian Open Spot and Must Go Through Qualifying
Former British number one Katie Boulter has missed out on a direct place in the Australian Open main draw, SportsRation reports.
A total of 104 players have been given automatic entry into the tournament, including those using protected rankings. Boulter, ranked 106 in the world, fell just short and will now have to compete in the qualifying rounds at Melbourne Park in January for the first Grand Slam of 2026.
She had the chance to collect extra ranking points at a WTA 125 event in France last week, but she chose not to play after picking up a hip injury in Hong Kong in October. Speaking in November, she said she had to “choose between my body and my ranking” when deciding whether to push herself to play.
Boulter admitted it was difficult to watch other players compete and move ahead of her in the rankings, but she felt protecting her health was the right decision.
This year, she has won only 14 main-draw matches at Tour level and recently ended her three-year partnership with coach Biljana Veselinovic, during which she claimed three WTA titles.
Emma Raducanu, Sonay Kartal and Francesca Jones all gained direct entry into the women’s draw, while Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley made it on the men’s side.
For the first time, the men’s entry list was finalised using the ATP year-end rankings in November, a move designed to stop players from chasing points late in the off-season. The women’s list was based on the rankings from 8 December.
Boulter said players need time to rest and prepare properly, adding that many have struggled with fatigue and injuries this year.
She will now have to win her matches in qualifying if she hopes to reach the Australian Open main draw for the sixth time in her career.
