What is Tennis Ranking Points?
Tennis ranking points are the points awarded to players based on their performance in professional tennis tournaments. Ranking points are used to determine a player’s ranking on the ATP and WTA tours. Points are awarded to players depending on their performance, with the most points being awarded to players who make it to the later rounds of a major tournament.
ATP and WTA Ranking Points
The ATP and WTA ranking points system works slightly differently for each tour. The ATP awards points on a sliding scale, with more points available for winning a tournament than for losing in the earlier rounds. The WTA awards points based on a round-by-round system, with points awarded for each round a player advances.
Points Awarded for ATP and WTA Tournaments
The points awarded for each ATP and WTA tournament depend on the tournament’s category. Grand Slams and the ATP Finals award the most points, with the winner of a Grand Slam receiving 2000 ranking points. The points awarded for other tournaments range from 125 points for a Challenger level tournament to 1000 points for an ATP 500 tournament.
How are Ranking Points Calculated?
Ranking points are calculated on a rolling 52-week system. This means that players receive points for their best results in the last 52 weeks. The points awarded to players at a tournament will be added to their total points, and the points they received for tournaments 52 weeks ago will be removed. This system ensures that players are rewarded for their recent performances.
Best Results
Players can also receive additional points for their best results in the last 52 weeks. For example, if a player makes it to the final of a Grand Slam, they will receive points for their performance in that tournament as well as additional points for their best result in the last 52 weeks.
Minimum Points
Players must maintain a minimum number of points in order to remain in the rankings. The number of points required depends on the player’s ranking. For example, a player ranked in the top 10 must have at least 1000 ranking points, while a player ranked in the top 50 must have at least 350 ranking points.
Doubles Ranking Points
Points are also awarded for doubles matches. The points awarded for doubles matches are less than the points awarded for singles matches, but they still contribute to a player’s ranking.
Ranking Points Distribution
The ATP and WTA tours publish an official ranking points distribution, which outlines the points awarded for each tournament and round. This table can be used to calculate the points awarded to players for their performances in tournaments.
Race to London
The Race to London is a separate ranking system used to determine the players who will qualify for the ATP Finals. Points are awarded for each tournament, with the players who accumulate the most points over the course of the season qualifying for the Finals.
Conclusion
Tennis ranking points are awarded to players based on their performance in professional tennis tournaments. Points are awarded on a sliding scale for the ATP, and round-by-round for the WTA. Players receive points for their best results in the last 52 weeks, and must maintain a minimum number of points to remain in the rankings. The Race to London is a separate ranking system used to determine the players who qualify for the ATP Finals.