Universal Tennis Rating (UTR)
at FD Tennis
Junior & Adult tournaments that help you play better tennis, more often.
The world's most accurate tennis rating system
Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) rates every player on the same 1.00 - 16.50 scale, based on actual match results. It promotes fair and competitive play across the tennis world - players are rated on results, not on age, gender, nationality or anything else.
The rating updates daily as new matches come in. One match result is enough for your child to receive a projected UTR Rating; after around five matches the rating becomes fully reliable, and it continues to move up or down to reflect their current form.
For us at FD Tennis, that means we can match our players with those of similar standard rather than just similar age - so games are tighter, more competitive, and a much better workout for their tennis.
Upcoming UTR events
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UTR FAQ
How does the UTR rating algorithm work?
UTR is a modified Elo rating system designed to promote fair and competitive play. Players are rated on their actual results, not on age, gender, nationality or socioeconomic status. Once you know your UTR Rating, you can quickly find hits, events and tournaments where you'll have fun and play genuinely competitive tennis.
What is a UTR Rating and why should I have one?
A UTR Rating is a single number between 1.00 and 16.50 that measures a player's skill level. Only one match result is needed to receive a projected rating, and after roughly five matches the rating becomes fully reliable. As you play and your results are entered, your UTR will move up or down to reflect your current level.
How is the UTR Rating actually calculated?
For each match, the algorithm works out a match rating and a match weight for both players. A player's UTR is then the weighted average of up to 30 of their most recent match ratings, limited to matches played in the last 12 months.
What's the best way to improve a UTR Rating?
Play well. Performing well is the easiest way to lift a UTR. Even when a match is out of hand, every game still counts — winning more games than expected (against either higher- or lower-rated opponents) will improve the rating.
Play often. The more matches you play, the more quickly your UTR catches up with your current form. The algorithm is most accurate for players who compete regularly against a mix of opponents above and below their level.
Be patient. Because UTR is a rolling weighted average, the effect of a new result is slightly lagged. It will reflect a recent outcome in time, but not always overnight.
Does playing higher- or lower-rated opponents hurt the rating?
Not by default — it depends on the percentage of games won. Playing a higher-rated opponent won't lower the rating if the opponent wins the expected (large) percentage of games; a close match can actually lift the rating. Playing a lower-rated opponent usually helps as long as you win a high enough percentage of games.
How long until a UTR Rating becomes reliable?
One match produces a projected UTR (shown with a P next to the number on the player profile). After approximately five matches the rating becomes reliable. From there the rating uses up to 30 of the player's most recent matches within the last 12 months.
What happens with walkovers, retirements or incomplete matches?
The rating system is based purely on actual scores, so defaults and walkovers don't count toward a UTR — although they still appear on the player's profile alongside the other results.
Do I need a UTR profile to enter FD Tennis events?
Yes - every player needs a free UTR profile so we can record their match results. It only takes a minute to set up at app.utrsports.net.
Next events at a glance
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How to enter - in three steps
Create a free UTR profile
Set yourself or your child up with a free UTR account at app.utrsports.net. Takes about a minute.
Pick an event
Browse the calendar above and choose an event that suits you or your child's age, level and venue.
Register & play
Click 'Register' on the event to head to our events page and complete the booking. Done.