Ladder Leagues are an alternative to the classic Round-Robin format on the USTA Flex app. Just like Round Robins, Ladder Leagues allow you to schedule matches at your convenience, which count toward your World Tennis Number (WTN) and run during a defined season.
The key difference between the Round Robin format and the Ladder Format is how matches are assigned and ranked. Click below to jump to learn more about the various components of the Ladder Format.
Choosing the Number of Matches
What Happens if I Join a Ladder Late?
What Happens if There Are Un-Played Matches?
Season Format
- Ladder seasons typically run 10–12 weeks and are divided into 2 week rounds.
-
At the start of each 2 week round, players are automatically assigned to 0,1, or 2 opponents based on their availability.
Example: For a season running Sept 1–Nov 9, players would be assigned new opponents on Sept 1, Sept 15, Sept 29, Oct 13, and Oct 27.
- Players have the full 2-week round to play their assigned match(es) before the next 2-week round begins.
Choosing the Number of Matches
Players can select how many matches they'd like to play in upcoming two-week rounds (Ranging from 0-2 opponents):
- 1 Opponent (Default): The player is guaranteed 1 match unless the availability of nearby players on the ladder is limited
- 0 Opponents: The player will not be assigned a match
- 2 Opponents: The system will try to assign 2 matches, but players may still receive only 1 or 0, depending on the availability of nearby players
If a player requests a match for a two-week round but does not receive one, they will be sent an automated email and the system will prioritize assigning them a match in the next round.
What Happens if I Join a Ladder Late?
Unlike the Round Robin format, players can join a ladder at any point during the season, up until the final 2 week round begins.
- After paying the entry fee, you are placed on a waiting list.
- You will be automatically added to the ladder at the start of the next two-week round.
- Your initial placement is based on your WTN Rating or, if you don't have one, your Self-Rating.
Rankings & Movement:
Ladder standings are updated at the start of each new two-week round based on the matches completed in the previous round.
- Winning: If you win a match against someone ranked above you, you move up and switch positions with them.
- Losing: If you lose a match to someone ranked below you, you move down and switch positions
What Happens if There Are Un-Played Matches?
If a match isn’t played during its assigned 2 week round, the following will apply:
- The match remains on the app for an extra 2 weeks to give both players another chance to complete it.
- It is important to note matches played during this grace period will not count toward your ladder standings, but they will still count towards your WTN and appear on your USTA profile.