What is the Tennis Protected Ranking System?
The Tennis Protected Ranking system is a ranking system established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to protect the rankings of players who have a long-term injury or illness. The system guarantees that a player’s ranking will not drop too much if they are unable to play for an extended period of time.
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The system was established in 1998 and is based on the “best 18 tournaments” ranking system. A player’s protected ranking is calculated by taking the average of their best 18 tournaments during a period of at least 12 months before their injury or illness. This ensures that the player’s ranking is not drastically affected if they are unable to play for a length of time.
What are the Benefits of the Protected Ranking System?
The Protected Ranking system offers a range of benefits to players who have suffered long-term injury or illness. These include:
- Protection – The system ensures that a player’s ranking is not drastically affected by an injury or illness. This allows them to return to the tour at a similar level to where they left it.
- Equal Opportunity – The system gives players the chance to compete on a level playing field regardless of their physical condition.
- Support – The system helps to support players who have suffered long-term injury or illness and ensures that they are not disadvantaged.
How Does the Protected Ranking System Work?
The Protected Ranking system works by allowing players to submit an application to the ITF to be given a protected ranking. The application must include proof of injury or illness, as well as evidence of the player’s performance in the previous 12 months.
Once the application is approved, the player’s protected ranking will be calculated based on their best 18 tournaments in the previous 12 months. The protected ranking will then be used to give the player entry into certain tournaments for a period of up to two years.
Who is Eligible for the Protected Ranking System?
The Protected Ranking system is available to any player who has suffered a long-term injury or illness and is unable to compete for an extended period of time. The player must also have competed in at least 12 tournaments in the previous 12 months.
What Tournaments are Eligible for the Protected Ranking System?
The Protected Ranking system is available for a range of tournaments including Grand Slams, Masters 1000s, ATP 500s, ATP 250s, WTA Premier Mandatory, WTA Internationals and ITF Pro Circuit events.
How Long is the Protected Ranking Valid For?
The Protected Ranking is valid for a period of up to two years. This allows the player to use their protected ranking in tournaments during this period.
What Happens After the Two Year Period?
After the two year period, the player’s protected ranking will no longer be valid. The player will then need to compete in tournaments to earn a new ranking.
How Does the Protected Ranking Affect a Player’s Ranking Points?
The Protected Ranking does not affect a player’s ranking points. The player’s ranking points will still be calculated based on their performance in tournaments.
What if a Player’s Protected Ranking is Higher than their Current Ranking?
If a player’s protected ranking is higher than their current ranking, they will be able to use their protected ranking to gain entry into tournaments. This will allow them to compete at a higher level than their current ranking.
What if a Player’s Protected Ranking is Lower than their Current Ranking?
If a player’s protected ranking is lower than their current ranking, they will still be able to use their protected ranking to gain entry into tournaments. However, they will not be able to compete at the same level as their current ranking.
Conclusion
The Protected Ranking system is a ranking system established by the ITF to protect the rankings of players who have suffered long-term injury or illness. The system ensures that a player’s ranking is not drastically affected by an injury or illness, allowing them to return to the tour at a similar level to where they left it. The system also allows players to compete on a level playing field and offers them support during their period of injury or illness.