What is UTR?

Universal Tennis Ratings (UTR) provide tennis players worldwide a common scale to determine their level of play. The 16-level scale (from beginners to elite world-class professionals), precisely and reliably determines individual players’ ratings based on actual match results without regard for age, gender or where the matches are played. The Universal Tennis website allows visitors to view more than three million tennis results.  College Tennis coaches utilize UTR ratings for recruiting, for scouting opponents, and also to track the levels of their current players. The ITA currently uses UTR ratings to assist with selections and seedings for select regional and national events.

The number and scope of tournament match results that are being imported to the UTR database is literally growing every week, and currently include:

  • UTR Events
  • ATP and WTA
  • ITF Pro and Junior Circuit (U18)
  • US College (as posted on ITA site)
  • US High School (Limited)
  • USTA: Junior Tournaments (12-18, yellow ball), Junior Team Tennis, Adult Tournaments (Open and NTRP)
  • Tennis Europe Junior Tour
  • LTA: Aegon British Tour, Junior (12U-18U, Grade 1-7)
  • Tennis Australia: JT and AMT
  • Tennis Canada: Adult and Junior (U12-U18)
  • Confederação Brasileira de Tênis (Brazil Juniors)
  • Polski Zwiazek Tenisowy (Polish Junior and Open)
  • College Showcases - Various
  • Ten-Pro Global Junior Tour
  • Bulgarian Tennis Federation

What is the relationship between UTR and UTR League?

UTR League is a separate and independent league.  We use to be partner with UTR, but policy changes at UTR have made us into competitors.

Why did UTR create Verified UTR rating?  
The short answer is that UTR makes more money with “Verified UTR” from their player base.  Verified UTR is intended as a way to differentiate between self-reported matches (UTR Tennis League) and UTR tournament matches.  The term “Verified” means that there is an official (tournament director, umpire, coach, etc…) present at the match, hence “Verified”.  That’s not true anymore.  UTR offers “Verified” matches for their UTR Flex League matches where no officials are present.
Is it worth playing “Verified” matches?  The short answer is no.  But, I am biased.  If you have unlimited resources, by all means, play "Verified” matches.  For those families without the means, but still loves tennis, they will play UTR (self-reported, league) matches.  Here is where the rubber hits the road.  If you are a high school coach and you have two players with the same UTR, one Verified and one UTR, which one would you take?  I know what I will do, and I am certain every coaches will take the same approach.  I will have them tryout against each other.  In fact, if the two players are within one UTR, I would still have them play against each other.  I will take the winner, verified or not.
UTR rating encompasses all matches played, including self-reported, league matches, tournament matches and verified matches.  What am I saying?  Verified UTR is a subset of UTR.

What is my player's UTR?

You can look up your player's UTR at myUTR.com.  This is Universal Tennis Ratings (UTR) website for tennis players worldwide.  UTR League prefers to use UTR rating instead of the Verified UTR, but we can accept either.

On the registration form, you are asked to input your player's UTR.  This is self-reported and UTR League is not going to independently confirm its accuracy.  But be honest.  If you report a higher UTR, your player may have a harder time with his/her matches.  Report too low, and your player will not be challenged by his/her matches.

The password to access Seasons and Roster does not work.

First, please make sure you are working from a desk/laptop.  Mobile devices are incompatible with our website.

The solution is to mouse-over (do not click) Seasons and Roster for the drop-down menu to show.  And then you click on the appropriate season and roster using the password provided.  Other leagues in other cities have different passwords.

What if the other players do not respond to my requests for matches?

In every season and in every group, there will always be players who signed up but don’t play.  Beside group email and text, consider reaching out to them personally.  Ask for a date, and be accommodating to your opponent.  If Saturday doesn’t work perhaps Sunday will.  Ask them when they can play.  The key is to be flexible with your schedule and be accommodating.

I can't find my opponent on UTR to Self-Post?

It is likely that your opponent does not have UTR account.  Most everyone in the tennis community has a UTR account.  Ask your opponent to go to unversaltennis.com to "Join".  Everyone who joins UTR must have a unique e-mail identifier.

My opponent won't reply to my request to confirm scores posted on UTR?

It is the responsibility of the winner to confirm scores with your opponent.  Most times, your opponent won't confirm because they think the score is incorrect.  That's why confirm scores with your opponent is important.  Don't assume anything.

Having said that, there are opponents who won't confirm because they played poorly.  The problem is that tennis is a tight-knit community.  Your friends, coaches, and teammates will know.  An excellent example is the players who call lines tight when the match is on the line.  We all know who those people are.  Consider your reputation and do the right thing.   If you do not respond, this league will rule in favor of your opponent and take appropriate actions including termination of league membership.

What is the difference between a forfeit and a default?

Most tennis players use the term interchangably.  It means that your opponent can't play or finish a match for one reason or another.  In UTR League, a forfeit occurs before a match starts.  Generally, it is a no-show, but can be due to injury or illness to prevent the start of match.

A default occurs after the match have started, and generally has to do with penalty unsportsmanlike conducts.  Because UTR League has the 3-Strike Rule, Defaults are not used.  Only League Director can default a match.

Many players in my group have either withdrawn from the season, or have not responded to my requests for matches.  Are we eligible for "Free Play"?

Our Rules protects your player from the issues above.
1.  Request a forfeit of players who did not respond (Follow our Rules).
2.  You get “Free Play” once you complete all matches in your Group.
3.  You get to play next season for free (See our Rules).
4.  Those who did not play this season (75% Completion Rule) will not be eligible to play next season.
5.  This means that only the players who want to play will play next season.
6.  Those who did not respond to your requests for matches will be removed from next season.
7.  This means that matches will be easier to arrange as we progress each season.
8.  Once you have completed 75% of your matches this season, you can request matches in adjacent groups (Bonus Matches)
UTR League wants to encourage our players to play more matches.  We do not want players who sign up, but don’t play.  This is what our Rules are intended.