Following are Frequently Asked Questions about the TennisFax Ranking System.

Why is there a minimum divisor of three when computing the rankings?

Without the three tournament minimum requirement, a player could enter one tournament, win it and gain the #1 ranking. That player could then decide not to play any more and sit there on top of the rankings for a whole year. The TennifFax Rankings were designed to encourage play. Any player with a win in a participating event earns a ranking. But to reach #1, a player will have to win more than one tournament.

How can I be undefeated and ranked below someone I've beaten?

Its probably because you have not played in three tournaments. If you play in less than three events, your point total is still divided by three. In order to get a realistic ranking, play in at least three tournaments.

Why are better players ranked below players who are clearly not as good?

Tennisfax is a ranking system, not a rating system (like the NTRP). Tennisfax measures a player's performance in selected tournaments. If the better players fail to play in three events, they are likely to be ranked lower than they should.

What are bonus points?

Bonus points are points earned by beating other players. A player who was previously undefeated will be worth 10 bonus points to someone who can beat them. Players who are generally semifinalists will be worth 5 points and a player who is not yet ranked is worth 1 point. The scale goes from 10 to 1 and is based on a players finish in participating tournaments. Bonus points are not based on a player's ranking, but bonus points are very important in determining the rankings.

Why do players with higher rankings often have lower bonus points?

These players usually have played in more tournaments so they are likely to have a few losses. A player like this can be high on the ranking list and worth less than 10 points.

What are Masters points?

If you win a tournament, you earn 100 Masters points. Finalists earn 75 points; semifinalists earn 50 points; quarterfinalists earn 25 points; the round-of-16 gives 15; the round-of-32 gives 10 points and a win into the round-of-64 gives 7. Total grand prix points divided by tournaments played (no minimum devisor) determine bonus points. They also determine who qualifies for year end Masters Championships.

How does the size of a draw figure in the rankings?

A player winning a larger tournament must play more matches to earn the title. As a result, the size multiplier increases as the draw increases. Tournaments with large draws have a greater effect on the rankings than smaller events.

What is the formula for the Tennisfax rankings?

(masters points + bonus points) x size of draw multiplier = points for a tournament. All points earned from tournaments are totaled and divided by the number of tournaments played (with a minimum divisor of 3). This gives an average which determines the rankings.