Professional tennis rankings are based on a rolling 52-week points system. Both the ATP and WTA award ranking points based on tournament level and round reached, with results dropping off exactly one year after they are earned.
Rankings determine tournament entry, seeding, sponsorship value and qualification for season-ending championships.
This guide explains how the ranking system works, how points are calculated and how different tournament levels affect a player’s standing.
The 52-Week Rolling System
The ATP and WTA rankings operate on a rolling calendar.
- Points stay on a player’s record for 52 weeks
- When the same tournament occurs the following year, old points drop off
- New results replace the previous year’s performance
This means players are constantly defending points earned the year before.
How Points Are Earned
Points are awarded based on:
- Tournament tier
- Round reached
- Main draw vs qualifying performance
Higher-tier tournaments award more points.
Example (Singles Champions)
| Tournament Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam | 2,000 |
| ATP / WTA 1000 | 1,000 |
| 500 | 500 |
| 250 | 250 |
Points decrease progressively by round.
Best Results Formula
ATP
The ATP ranking is based on a player’s best 19 results, including:
- The four Grand Slams
- Eight mandatory Masters 1000 events
- Other top results
WTA
The WTA ranking uses a similar best-results formula, including mandatory events for eligible players.
Participation rules differ slightly between tours, particularly regarding mandatory tournaments.
Mandatory Tournaments
Certain events must be counted in ranking calculations, even if a player skips them without exemption.
For example:
- ATP Masters 1000 events (with limited exceptions)
- Selected WTA 1000 events
Failure to compete can result in zero-point entries in the ranking calculation.
The Race to the Finals
Separate from the standard rankings is the “Race” format.
- Points reset at the start of the calendar year
- Only current-season results count
- Top performers qualify for:
- ATP Finals
- WTA Finals
The Race often differs from the 52-week ranking late in the season.
How Rankings Affect Seeding
Tournament seedings are generally determined by ranking position at the entry deadline.
Seeding impacts:
- Draw placement
- Early-round matchups
- Path difficulty
At Grand Slams, the top 32 players are seeded.
Live Rankings vs Official Rankings
Live rankings update during tournaments as points are projected to drop and be added.
Official rankings are released weekly by the ATP and WTA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are rankings updated?
Weekly.
Do doubles and singles rankings differ?
Yes, they are calculated separately.
Why does a player drop in rankings despite winning matches?
They may be defending more points from the previous year.
Do Grand Slams count more than Masters events?
Yes. Grand Slams award 2,000 points to the champion.
