Frequently Asked Questions
I won my most recent match. What will happen to my UTR Rating?
The algorithm focuses on percent of games won. If a player wins a higher percent of games than the algorithm’s expectation, their match rating goes up. Likewise, if a player wins a lower percent of games than expected, their match rating goes down. Factors other than your most recent match also impact changes in UTR Rating (see next question).
What factors determine whether my UTR Rating goes up or down?
The biggest factor that determines a UTR Rating increase or decrease is a new match being added to a player’s record. However, this is not the only factor. Your oldest match falling off (because it became older than 12 months or was bumped off when a new match was added) can also have an impact. Another factor is time degradation. As prior matches move down the list, they receive less weight, so the weighted average of match ratings and match weights can change.
Is it possible for my UTR Rating to go up or down, even though I haven't played a new match?
Yes. Since the algorithm is a dynamic system that recalibrates every night, there may be small fluctuations in UTR Rating. This is more common for players who recently joined the system. As more matches are added to a player’s record, their UTR becomes more stable. There are also small fluctuations in the match weights of a player’s existing matches that can affect the rating even while not playing. For example, time degradation will slowly decrease the weights of existing matches.
For matches with a large UTR Rating difference, can the higher-rated player still increase their UTR Rating?
Yes. If the higher-rated player performs better than the algorithm’s expectation, his/her match rating goes up.
Is there a go-to strategy or formula for how to increase my UTR Rating?
No. Some players increase their UTR Rating by playing well against higher-rated opponents. Others increase their UTR by playing well against lower-rated opponents. The key to increasing your UTR is playing well and exceeding expectations, not who you play.
Do some matches not count towards my UTR Rating?
The algorithm excludes matches in which a) a player withdraws before the match starts, b) the match starts but neither player wins at least four games (due to a withdrawal/retirement), or c) there is a UTR Rating difference of more than 2.00 and the higher-rated player wins as expected. These excluded matches still show up on the player profile but are not used in the rating calculation.
Why does the algorithm exclude matches with a UTR Rating difference of more than 2.00?
As the difference in UTR Rating increases, so does the likelihood the higher-rated player wins the match easily. Our data indicates matches with a UTR Rating difference of more than 2.00 are almost certain to be a blowout. Results like these are not indicative of either player’s skill level and are excluded by the algorithm. However, in rare cases, the algorithm may wait to gather more data points before counting an anomalous result toward a player's rating.
Do matches with a UTR Rating difference of more than 2.00 ever count towards my UTR Rating?
Yes, there is one scenario in which this occurs. If the lower-rated player wins the match, this result will count towards each player’s rating. For example, if a 5.20 wins a match against a 7.61, this match will count. However, if a 7.61 wins a match against a 5.20, this match will not count. In rare cases, the algorithm may wait to gather more data points before counting an anomalous result toward a player's rating.
Should organizers/coaches only enter the matches they believe to be competitive or those within a UTR Rating difference of 2.00?
Organizers/coaches must enter all matches. The algorithm will automatically disregard matches that are not eligible.
What if I have played fewer than 30 matches within the last 12 months?
That’s perfectly fine. If you have played only 10 matches within the last 12 months, the algorithm will use those 10. 30 is simply the maximum. If you have played 40 matches within the last 12 months, the algorithm will use the 30 most recent matches.
Why does my player profile show more than 30 total matches?
Many profiles show a longer match history, but only the most recent matches (those with a UTR Rating ball icon next to the score) are used in the calculation of your rating. Matches without an icon are either a) too old, b) a withdrawal, or c) outside the 2.00 cutoff for UTR difference.
Why are more than 30 matches being used to calculate my rating?
This occurs when the 30th most recent match was played on the same day as the 31st most recent match. The algorithm does not attempt to determine which one to keep, so it keeps them both. They will fall off together when the next match is added.
I don’t play very often. Can I still have a UTR Rating?
Absolutely. One match is all it takes to get a “projected” rating. After approximately five matches, your rating becomes reliable. A projected rating is shown as a (P) on the player profile.
What is a projected rating? How many matches does it take to go from a projected to a reliable rating?
The algorithm needs approximately five results before it can calculate a reliable UTR Rating. Players with fewer than five results are not yet fully reliable, so they have a “projected” rating. A projected rating is shown as a (P) on the player profile.
What’s the difference between UTR Rating and Verified UTR Rating?
Verified UTR reflects results from only verified events. UTR reflects results from a broader range of event types, including self-posted scores, casual play, verified matches, and practice matches. Read more here.
How does the algorithm work for doubles?
The singles and doubles algorithms are very similar. For doubles, the algorithm compares the average UTR Rating of Team A to the average UTR Rating of Team B. Given the UTR Rating difference between those two averages, the algorithm expects a certain percent of games won. The team who performs better than the algorithm’s expectation will see their match rating go up. Both teammates see an increase or decrease by the same amount.
How are tiebreakers counted by the algorithm?
Set tiebreakers count as one game; 3rd set 10-point match tiebreakers count as two games.
How quickly does UTR Rating update my recent results?
The algorithm updates once every 24 hours. As soon as a match result is posted and gets imported into a player’s profile, the result will be reflected in the next day’s UTR Rating. Some results take a few days or more to be posted by the tournament director.
How does UTR Rating address withdrawals to protect the ratings in junior tennis?
If a player withdraws either a) before the match starts or b) during the match but before either player wins at least four games, it does not factor into the UTR Rating algorithm. It will, however, be displayed on the player profile. This display will hopefully be a disincentive for the small subset of players who withdraw quite frequently. We are aware of and monitoring junior players abusing the system.
How often are updates made to the UTR Rating algorithm?
The algorithm goes through occasional updates to ensure accuracy across the board. These updates impact all players equally.
Can my UTR Rating be lower than 1.00 or greater than 16.50?
No. To preserve the distribution of player ratings by skill level, the algorithm has upper and lower bounds for the UTR Rating.
All of the above information applies to matches between Fully Reliable Players as defined by the rating. Matches, where at least one player is partially reliable, may follow slightly different guidelines - we encourage all players to find matches and develop a reliable rating.
If something seems off with your rating, please send us a note here, and our team will review it.
Our data scientists would love to hear your feedback. You can share your thoughts and insights with them here.