Competition grades
Finding the right competition to suit your level is important to get the most out of competing in tennis.
Playing against other players of a similar level or ITF World Tennis Number is one of the best ways to improve your skills and will give you the best match practice.
Many of our junior and adult competitions are graded on a scale of 1-7 to help you work out if the standard is right for you – Grade 7 events usually take place at your local venue, while Grade 1 could see you compete for a national championship.
Here are some more details on each grade to help you decide which tournament is right for you:
- These are competitions taking place at your local venue - including box leagues, ladders, club championships or any other recorded matches.
- All results will count towards your ITF World Tennis Number, but you won’t get a ranking from playing in these competitions.
- Perfect for anyone who has never played in a competition before and is new to tennis or experienced players.
- Play people of a similar level to you in one-day competitions – with all results counting towards your ITF World Tennis Number. However, they won’t contribute to your overall ranking.
- If you’re a club, local or county player looking to compete in your first rankings tournament – these are the competitions for you.
- These events take place over half a day at clubs, parks and schools in your local area.
- You’ll get plenty of opportunities to practice your skills – junior and adult players will play a minimum of two matches, while LTA Youth Compete events including even more.
- All results will count towards your ITF World Tennis Number and you will get a ranking from playing in these competitions.
- These tournaments are for players who consistently get strong results at Grade 5 events and want to test themselves on the next level.
- Usually for players competing at local, county or regional levels.
- Tournaments typically last a day and you’ll play a minimum of two matches in junior or adult tournaments with more matches taking place at LTA Youth Compete events. and all results count towards your ITF World Tennis Number and you will get a ranking from playing in these competitions.
- If you’re winning or performing well at Grade 4 events then these tournaments are a great way to take your game up a level.
- Suitable for players competing at a county, regional or national level.
- These typically last two to four days with and minimum of two matches for junior and adult competitions with more for LTA Youth Compete events.
- All results will count towards your ITF World Tennis Number and you will get a ranking from playing in these competitions.
- These competitions are for players who continue to get great results at Grade 3 events and are playing at a regional or national level.
- They typically last two to four days but may last a week – usually taking place in the school holidays.
- Players can expect to play a minimum of two matches for junior and adult competitions with more for LTA Youth Compete events at weekend or school holidays.
- Will count towards your ITF World Tennis Number and you will get a ranking from playing in these competitions.
- These events are highest graded competitions we run for the top players in the country – competing at national or international level.
- They typically last a week and usually take place during the school holidays.
- All results will count towards your ITF World Tennis Number and you will get a ranking from playing in these competitions.