How the ITF uses the WTN to create fairer global competition

The ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) is transforming how tennis measures player level across the world. Developed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), WTN is a global tennis rating system designed to create fairer, more competitive matches at every level of the game.

From local leagues to international tournaments, WTN provides one universal standard — helping players, coaches and organisers ensure competitive balance worldwide.

What problem does the WTN solve?

Tennis is a global sport, but historically player ratings were not.

Different countries developed their own domestic ranking and rating systems. This created inconsistencies when players competed internationally or moved between systems. A rating in one country did not always reflect the same playing standard elsewhere.

The result?

• Unbalanced tournament draws
• Inconsistent seeding
• Difficulties for internationally mobile players
• Fewer meaningful matches

The WTN was designed to solve this by introducing one global scale for tennis performance.

What is the WTN?

The WTN is a single, global rating scale from 40 (beginner) to 1 (elite). It is:

• Results-based – Calculated using verified match results
• Dynamic – Updated as new results are recorded
• Gender-neutral and age-neutral – One scale for all players
• Globally comparable – The same standard in every country

This makes WTN the first truly international tennis rating system governed by the ITF.

How WTN creates fairer tennis competition

1. More Accurate Seeding and Acceptance Lists

Tournament organisers can use WTN to seed players based on current level, not outdated or incompatible systems. It’s now used for acceptance criteria on the ITF Juniors, Masters and World Tennis Tour as well as many of the Regional Association Tour events.

2. Better Balanced Draws

By grouping players with similar WTNs, competitions produce closer matches and reduce one-sided results. The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) use the WTN as its exclusive rating system - helping them to amplify the college tennis experience.

3. Improved Player Experience

Players are more likely to compete against opponents of a similar standard, increasing enjoyment, retention and development.

4. Seamless International Mobility

Players moving between countries can enter events without needing rating conversions, making global participation easier.

Supporting National Federations and Clubs

For national associations and clubs, WTN provides valuable performance data. Federations can:

• Benchmark players internationally
• Track development pathways
• Structure leagues more effectively
• Increase competitive opportunities at all levels

By using a consistent global tennis rating, organisers strengthen competitive integrity while encouraging participation growth.

The Future of fair competition in tennis

The WTN is more than a rating — it is a foundation for modern tennis competition. By aligning players worldwide under one trusted system, the International Tennis Federation is creating:

• Fairer matches
• Clearer progression pathways
• Greater global consistency

Whether you are a player, coach, club or federation, WTN helps ensure tennis competition is meaningful, measurable and fair — anywhere in the world.

Learn more about how the WTN supports fair global competition and discover your WTN today.