Reflecting on the success of the World Tennis Number in 2024

As we look back on 2024, it's clear that the World Tennis Number (WTN) has made significant strides in reshaping the landscape of tennis. Launched with the goal of providing a more accurate global rating system for players of all levels, the WTN has been embraced by national tennis associations in all regions of the world, clubs, coaches, and over 2 million players alike.

One of the most notable achievements of 2024 is the widespread adoption of the WTN across the world. More than ever, players can compare their progress against others internationally, regardless of age, gender, or location. This inclusivity has fostered a deeper sense of community, allowing tennis enthusiasts to see where they stand on a global scale. With its ability to provide a consistent metric of skill, the WTN has also encouraged more participation in local tournaments, as players now feel more confident about competing against opponents of similar abilities.

During the summer, the WTN was used to power the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Summer Series, providing a hugely accurate seeding platform for a competitive tournament schedule. This resulted in a 90% match prediction accuracy across the Women and Men’s Singles draw.

Another key success in the tournament space has been the confirmation that the WTN will be adopted as a secondary entry criterion for regional junior tournaments by several key regional tennis federations in 2025.

The WTN is beginning to make huge inroads into supporting the growth of junior tennis. In fact, the ITA also launched their innovative College Connect Programme, aiming to simplify the path for junior players exploring College Tennis opportunities. Central to this initiative is the integration of the WTN, allowing players to use their rating to source suitable colleges to join.

But it's not just players who are reaping the rewards, coaches can now use the WTN to not only assess player strengths and weaknesses but to develop tailored programmes that help players advance at their own pace. This focus on individual improvement has contributed to the growth of tennis at the grassroots level, with more players setting clear goals for their development.

Furthermore, the WTN's ability to track progress over time has motivated players to push their limits. The system allows players to see tangible evidence of their improvements, creating a sense of accomplishment with each incremental gain. Whether it's a club player moving up a number or a competitive player aiming for the top, the WTN provides a constant source of motivation.

Finally, earlier this year we made enhancements to the WTN calculation, to help sustain the accuracy of player ratings longer term.

In 2024, the World Tennis Number has proven to be more than just a rating. It has become a catalyst for growth, community, and competition. As the year comes to a close, it's exciting to think about how the WTN will continue to evolve and inspire tennis players around the world. The success we've seen so far is just the beginning.

If you have questions, ideas or need support with your WTN then please get in touch with our brilliant helpdesk support team.