What is UTR

Introduction

UTR Powered by Oracle is a global rating system that promotes fair and competitive play across the tennis world. All players, regardless of age, gender, geography or skill level, are rated on a same scale between 1.00 and 16.50 based on actual match results.

Benefits of UTR

UTR provides a real-time view of a player’s true skill level. Having a UTR enables you to track your progress, find level-based play, and expand your tennis network to play with people across age, gender and tennis silo.

Who has a UTR?

Every tennis player can have a UTR. UTR provides an accurate measurement of a player’s true skill level, whether you are a recreational, junior, high school, college or pro player.

Verified UTR vs UTR

UTR counts all results, including matches played in verified tournaments/events and non-verified matches. Verified UTR counts match results played in only verified tournaments and events.

For example, USTA league/tournament matches count toward Verified UTR and UTR. Casual/practice matches and self-posted scores count only toward UTR.

How is UTR calculated?

UTR is calculated by an algorithm using a player’s last 30 eligible match scores from the last 12 months. For each eligible match, the algorithm calculates a match rating and a match weight; a player’s UTR is the weighted average of all the match ratings.

Match Rating

Actual Performance vs Expectation
In every match, there is an expected outcome, based on the UTR difference between opponents. Let’s say you play an opponent with the following:

• Same UTR: The algorithm would project that you win the same number of games as your opponent. If you win more games, then your rating will go up.
• Lower UTR: If the system expects you to win 6-2, 6-2 but you end up winning 6-1, 6-1, then your rating would go up.
• Higher UTR: If you are expected to lose 6-3, 6-3 but you lose 6-4, 6-4, your rating will go up.

Your UTR will go up or down based on how you perform vs. expectation.

After one match result, you receive a projected UTR (P). After approximately five matches, the rating becomes reliable. Your UTR continues to update as more matches are added.

Match Weight

The following factors are used in the match weight calculation:

• Format – More weight is given to longer match formats. A match with a 3-set format receives more weight than an 8-game pro set or 4-game mini-set format.
• Competitiveness – The closer the UTR difference between the players, the greater the match weight. For example, if a player with a UTR of 6.00 plays an opponent with a UTR of 5.00 (UTR difference of 1), the match receives more weight than one played against a UTR of 4.00 (UTR difference of 2).
• Reliability – The more reliable the opponent’s UTR, the greater the match weight. A match played against an opponent who competes often and has a reliable UTR receives more weight.
• Time Degradation –The algorithm represents current form; it gives more credit to matches played within the last few months.

What is the best way to improve my UTR?

• Compete Well – You can improve your UTR by winning more games than expected, regardless of whether you win or lose the match and whether you play higher- or lower-rated opponents. Compete well and try to win as many games as possible; this is the best way to improve your UTR.
• Play Often – The more matches you play, the quicker your UTR will reflect your current form. It is also best to play against opponents who are close to your rating regardless of whether they are above or below you.
• Be Patient – Since UTR is a rolling weighted average, the effect of new results is slightly lagged. Your UTR may take time to reflect a recent outcome.