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Tennis Rankings: The Hidden Rules Unveiled
10 Feb
Summary
- Rankings date to the 1970s, computerized since 1990/1975.
- Points earned over 52 weeks determine rankings, then drop off.
- Mandatory events and best 18 results count towards rankings.
Tennis rankings, a system dating back to the 1970s, rely on a computerized calculation for both the ATP and WTA tours. Players earn points based on their performance in tournaments, with these points remaining valid for 52 weeks before being removed from their total. The importance of tournaments varies, with Grand Slams awarding the most points, followed by 1000-level events and other categories.
Each tour has a set number of events that count towards a player's ranking, typically the best 18 results, plus additional points if they qualify for the season-ending Tour Finals. Mandatory events are crucial, and failure to participate without a valid reason can result in penalties. These rankings are fundamental for tournament seeding and determining direct entry into main draws.
Players returning from injuries can utilize protected or special rankings for a limited number of tournaments, allowing them to re-enter the competitive circuit. Separate 'Race' leaderboards track qualification for the prestigious Tour Finals, which highlight players' performance throughout the current season.




