LONDON — With the 2025 Wimbledon Championships just around the corner, tennis fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement. But how exactly do those all-important rankings work? BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team is here to break it down, answering your burning questions about the tournament and the system that determines who faces whom on the hallowed grass courts.
How Are Tennis Rankings Calculated?
Tennis rankings, whether for the ATP (men’s) or WTA (women’s) tours, are based on a rolling 52-week system. Players earn points based on their performance in tournaments, with more prestigious events offering higher rewards. "The rankings reflect a player’s consistency over the past year," explains former British No. 1 Tim Henman. "It’s not just about winning one big tournament—it’s about maintaining form across multiple events."
Here’s how points are allocated at different tournament levels:
- Grand Slams (Wimbledon, Australian Open, French Open, US Open): 2000 points for the winner
- ATP/WTA 1000 (Masters): 1000 points for the winner
- ATP/WTA 500: 500 points for the winner
- ATP/WTA 250: 250 points for the winner
How Do Rankings Affect Wimbledon Seedings?
Wimbledon seedings are primarily based on the ATP and WTA rankings, but with a twist. Unlike other Grand Slams, Wimbledon uses a unique grass-court formula to adjust seedings. "The All England Club considers a player’s performance on grass over the past two years," says tournament referee Andrew Jarrett.
For example, if a player ranked No. 10 has won multiple grass-court titles recently, they might be seeded higher than their ranking suggests. This system aims to reward specialists who excel on the surface.
What About Wildcards and Qualifiers?
Wildcards are awarded to players who don’t automatically qualify but are given entry based on potential or past achievements. These often go to British players or former champions. Qualifiers, meanwhile, earn their spot through a pre-tournament knockout round.
How Do Players Gain or Lose Points?
Points drop off after 52 weeks, meaning players must defend their previous year’s results to maintain their ranking. "If you won Wimbledon last year but lose early this time, you’ll lose a significant chunk of points," notes BBC Sport analyst Naomi Cavaday.
This system creates intense pressure during the grass-court season. A deep run at Wimbledon can catapult a player up the rankings, while an early exit can send them tumbling.
What’s the Difference Between ATP/WTA and ITF Rankings?
While the ATP and WTA rankings cover professional tour events, the ITF (International Tennis Federation) oversees junior and wheelchair tennis rankings. "The ITF system is separate but equally important for developing players," explains ITF spokesperson Heather Bowler.
How Do Doubles Rankings Work?
Doubles teams have their own ranking system, with points earned based on tournament performance. However, players can switch partners frequently, so individual doubles rankings are maintained separately from team standings.
What About the Race to Wimbledon?
The "Race" rankings reset at the start of each calendar year, tracking points earned solely in that season. This provides a snapshot of current form heading into Wimbledon. "The Race is a great indicator of who’s hot right now," says Henman.
Conclusion: Why Rankings Matter
Tennis rankings shape everything from seedings to tournament entries and even sponsorship deals. As we approach Wimbledon 2025, keep an eye on those numbers—they’ll determine who gets the coveted Centre Court slots and who might face a tough early draw. "Rankings aren’t just numbers—they’re the lifeblood of professional tennis," concludes Cavaday.
Got more questions? Tweet us using #BBCSportAMA and we’ll tackle them in our next Wimbledon Q&A!