When the USTA League championship year ends, tennis players everywhere eagerly await the most highly anticipated time of the year – the moment year-end ratings are published! This is when you’ll know if your NTRP rating stays the same or is adjusted and that can mean a lot for planning your next tennis season.
Adult NTRP ratings are used in leagues and tournaments to group players of similar skill levels; for general information on the rating system, click here.
How are NTRP Year-End ratings calculated?
A Year-End Rating, also known as a Computer Rating, is generated for every player who plays at least three valid matches in either a qualifying USTA League or NTRP Tournaments. USTA Flex Leagues and Flexible Format leagues do not count towards ratings.
When are Year-End ratings published?
They are published each December. The exact date varies from year to year based on National Championship dates.
How is my dynamic rating calculated?
A player’s dynamic ratings, calculated after each match, are not solely contingent on record. They are calculated by an algorithm that considers your rating, your opponent’s rating, the expected outcome of the match, and the actual outcome of the match.
What is the difference between a dynamic rating and a year-end rating?
- Dynamic ratings are not disclosed to players, whereas year-end ratings are published annually at NTRP levels.
- Dynamic ratings are expressed to the one-hundredth of a point, whereas year-end ratings are expressed only to the one-half point.
- Dynamic ratings are calculated nightly, whereas year end ratings are based on a combination of a player’s cumulative match results throughout the year.
What is the difference between NTRP year-end rating and ITF World Tennis Number?
NTRP year-end rating is a static rating, released once a year, which is useful for a season-long competition like USTA Leagues. The ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) is a rating that allows you to track your progress in real time and encompasses all reported competitive play results including USTA Leagues, tournaments, and non-USTA events. For more information on WTN, click here.
Why did USTA Mid-Atlantic decide to change my rating?
All NTRP ratings are generated by a computer using a very advanced algorithm. Whether your NTRP level increases, decreases or stays the same, that information was calculated by a computer using your match play results.
My NTRP Year-End Rating has changed. How do I find a team at my new level?
We can help! USTA Mid-Atlantic offers Tennis Connect, a service that can match up players and captains. Simply click here, and we’ll help you find the right match for a team in your area.
Interested in being a Captain? You don’t have to wait around to find a team! You can form your own team by signing up to be a League Captain. Complete this form and we’ll help get you set up and choose the team feature (Open, Closed, and Closed but Seeking) that’s best for you.
My NTRP was bumped up. I am nervous about playing at a new level and leaving my team. What’s next for me?
CONGRATULATIONS! You have worked hard to get to this point and should be proud of what you have accomplished! This is an opportunity for you to meet new people and take your tennis to the next level. Your next step is to find a team at your new rating. Remember, we can help you through our Tennis Connect service.
Miss your previous teammates? Don’t forget we offer a variety of combined rating leagues that will give you an opportunity to stay connected to your old crew.
My NTRP was bumped down and I am disappointed. Any advice?
Don’t worry about it. You can always play up and stick with your team or you can use Tennis Connect to find a new team. If you are looking for opportunities to improve, don’t forget to check out our Quick Tips Videos for tips on improving your game or email community@mas.usta.com if you’re interested in connecting with a teaching professional in your area.
My teammate was bumped up and my rating didn’t change despite having a better record. Why?
Your Win/loss record does not directly affect the year-end calculation. Other factors include different dynamic start ratings (in hundredths) based on previous Year-End ratings and matches played against opponents with different dynamic ratings.
How do I appeal my rating?
As a Computer (C) rated player, the way to appeal your rating is online through TennisLink. When you click to appeal your rating, TennisLink checks to see if you are within the appeal range. You will receive an immediate response (Granted or Denied). If your appeal is granted, TennisLink will automatically adjust your rating level. If your appeal is denied, you are not within appealable range and there are no further opportunities to appeal.
See below for more detailed instructions on how to appeal:
- Log in to Tennislink and click the USTA League tab (across the top and to the left)
- To the right of “Welcome!”, look for your NTRP Level
- Under that, click “Appeal Rating Level”
- Select Appeal rating level “Up or Down”
- You will receive an immediate response at the top of the page
Things to know:
- There is no appeal committee, thus no written letter of explanation. It’s all based on match data and numbers.
- Appealing will NOT reveal your rating in the 100th of a point.
- When an appeal has been granted, that player is eligible for dynamic disqualification
I see my ratings on other websites. Are they the same as USTA?
The USTA posts the official NTRP ratings on your player profile on usta.com or on TennisLink, located at tennislink.usta.com. This is the only public website where official NTRP ratings authorized by the USTA are posted and can be obtained.
The USTA is aware of other sites that suggest they provide NTRP ratings or player statistics and skill analysis. Any alleged NTRP related information available on these other sites is not endorsed by the USTA, is not accurate, and cannot be relied upon.
I’ve been away from tennis for a while, how do I get a rating?
If you have never had an NTRP Rating or it’s been a few years since you’ve played USTA League, your first step will be to Self-Rate online through TennisLink.
- Log in to Tennislink
- On “Welcome!” page under the USTA League tab
- Look for “Find NTRP Rating Info”
- Under that, click on the blue “Self-Rate” button
- A pop-up window will appear with the questionnaire
- Based on your answers you will be assigned a minimum self-rating
- You have the option to accept that rating, choose a higher rating, or request to appeal for a lower rating
I need more clarification, who can I reach out to regarding ratings?
Adult league tennis players in the Mid-Atlantic Section can mail the Adult Leagues Team. This is the best and fastest way to get an answer from a member of the Adult Team in regards to ratings.
I have my NTRP rating and I am ready to play. What’s next?
Tennis is always happening in the Mid-Atlantic! Check out our Adult Leagues calendar to see what’s playing next in your area or find a tournament.
Hmmm, alright you’ve answered my questions. Got any fun facts to share?
Funny you should ask, we really do have fun facts about NTRP and year-end ratings!
- You need three valid matches to generate a year-end rating
- Your Computer rating does not change during the year. It stays the same until the next year-end.
- On average, nearly 80 percent of Mid-Atlantic players will NOT have their rating change at year-end.
- The highest rating on the NTRP scale is 7.0. Note: This does not mean two 3.5 players could go toe-to-toe with Frances Tiafoe, but it sure would be entertaining to watch.
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USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.
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