Tennis Player Levels and Rating Explained

Part of the joy of tennis is sharing it with others. As you start playing more frequently and start meeting fellow tennis players, you’ll probably get the question, “so, what is your tennis rating?” Answering this question might be complicated at the start. You might know how many times a week you play or how you’ve been playing, but you might not know what specific designation you’re at compared to professional athletes. Here we breakdown tennis level, and learn what distinguishes new players from beginner and intermediate players.

Tennis Tournament Levels 1-7 Explained

Let’s begin by looking at tennis tournament levels. If you’re interested in moving from playing casually to competitively, it’s helpful to get a grip on the distinctions between the different levels. This is different for junior and adult players, but the general rule is that “tennis level” ranges from 1 (the best) all the way to 7 (the lowest). Some tournaments will not have a specific level–in this case, it’s classified as “unsanctioned”, and it’s fair to assume that it is probably closer to 7 or 6. How are the other levels distinguished?

• Level 1: This is the highest level of tennis for those who aren’t playing on the tour, or in official ATP events. These are elite junior players who hope to play in college or professionally. At the adult level, this would be the most advanced for a given age designation and typically includes players who were top collegiate athletes
• Level 2: Very high level maintained here as well; players will travel for these competitive events, bringing in advanced players. For this level for juniors, these are players that strive to play at the highest level of collegiate tennis or have professional ambitions
• Level 3: Still very advanced players participating in national tournaments
• Level 4: This is a step down from the prestigious levels of 1-3, but at this level, the tennis played is still considered very advanced. For adults, this marks the shift from national tournaments to section tournaments.
• Level 5: Intermediate and advanced players will be drawn to this level, with it being only slightly lower than level 4
• Level 6: For adults, this marks the shift from section to local tournaments, typically including intermediate and advanced players. Expect these tournaments to be smaller in scope and player selection
• Level 7: This is still considered to be intermediate competition. This level brings in people who are new to tournaments and competing. Here, and sometimes level 6, is a mixed bag of players

World Tennis Number:

Understanding tennis tournament level and player can be confusing given all the different systems in place for determining this. In August 2022, the International Tennis Federation tried to get rid of the country-based level systems by coming up with the World Tennis Number. All tennis players can get a World Tennis Number, with over 1.8 million players having one. How does the number work?

The range is 40-1, with beginner players starting out higher at level 40 and professional players situated at 1. Players can have a different number for singles and doubles. This Number system is for anyone, regardless of whether you’re just starting to play or you’ve been playing your whole life.

USTA Ranking System

The most popular rating system for beginner-intermediate players in the United States is the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA). These tennis rating descriptions are relevant when signing up for any USTA tournaments. Also, if you’re chatting with a fellow player, this is the number that, as of 2024, they will be most likely to understand. The technical term for this level rating system is called the USTA NTRP Rating. Here is a breakdown of the numbers, from 1.0, complete beginner/novice, all the way to 7.0, or touring professional.

1.0-1.5: New Player

At this tennis rating, the player just started playing tennis and is still learning coordination with the racquet. Here, depending on the player’s coach or their tennis training, the player might be using red, orange, and green balls, or beginner balls, rather than the official, standard tennis balls. These players are still learning how to properly hold the racquet, and at this level, players will be missing many shots, not just in the net but from lack of contact with the ball. At this stage, a given player would not be ready to play a full set against someone else or compete.

2.0: Beginner Player

A 2.0 beginner player is not completely new to the sport, but this level requires lots of practice. If you are a 2.0 get on the court as much as possible! At this stage, the player is making more consistent contact with the ball and missing less due to coordination issues, but the player still struggles with proper contact.

2.5: Beginner Player

A 2.5 player is better adjusted to the court, making more consistent contact and visualizing the ball. Although a 2.5 player might not yet have steady footwork or positioning, a 2.5 player has a better sense of how to navigate towards the ball and how to adjust their swing depending where on the court they are. A 2.5 player is able to rally at a slow pace. Starting at this level would be competition. Even if it is considered low level, 2.5 players are suitable to compete recreationally, which is a great way to improve and learn more about the sport beyond the strokes.

3.0: Beginner-Intermediate Player

A 3.0 player feels comfortable from the baseline hitting medium to slower-paced balls. These players are typically consistent with hitting the ball over the net but generally lack the skills to place their shots and execute top spin. The biggest difference between a 2.5 and 3.0 is the placement of the ball. At the 3.0 level, these players begin to “place shots” while playing. These players may not yet feel comfortable coming into the net and will probably need to work on their serve.

3.5: Intermediate Player

From 3.0 to 3.5, the strokes improve in consistency. Here, the directional ability for a player improves. Even though this player might not hit with a lot of pace, they are able to put the ball in the court where they would like more often. At this level, players are developing stronger spin on their groundstrokes and a more consistent second serve. Footwork takes off at this level, with players being able to move around the court more comfortably. 4.0s struggle playing 3.5s sometimes because they’re like “nets”, or very consistent with frustrating shots. The key shot to develop at this level is an approach shot, or the transition shot from the baseline to the net.

4.0: Intermediate-Advanced Player

4.0 players have solid, dependable groundstrokes that do not crumble easily even when given pace or oddly placed shots. These players have good technique and good mobility on the court, able to visualize the best way to navigate a point. 4.0’s have strong consistency with volleys, but are sometimes lacking consistency and the cutting edge to hit winners, including at the net. 4.0’s are considered more tactically astute and can incorporate new shots when necessary, whether it be a drop shot or a lob.

4.5: Advanced Player

4.5 players have controlled, dependable groundstrokes and can successfully finish points with strong, strategic shots. The key differences between a 4.0 and 4.5 are a step up in serves, volleys, and returns. A 4.5 has more finesse with these key shots. 4.5’s can sometimes just be more powerful 4.0’s, with stronger serves and well-placed second serves. 4.5 rated players can play aggressively compared to 4.0’s with strong volleys, especially in doubles. 4.5’s have great footwork, allowing them to move around the court easily. A common mistake at this level is over-hitting or impatience in long rallies with less skilled players.

5.0: Advanced

5.0s have an all-around solid, advanced game. This means strong forehands, backhands, volleys, serves, and overheads. The distinction between 4.5 and 5.0 is “good touch”, or the ability to do whatever you want no matter what the incoming ball is. 5.0s can use variety and placement to help manipulate a point, using depth and pace when necessary and with precision. Unlike 4.5s who are typically more aggressive, 5.0s have the ability to mix shots, combining aggressive pace and slow shots depending on what the point warrants. These players are able to hide their weaknesses behind an overall solid game.

6.0-7.0: Advanced Competitor/Touring Professional

These players take everything to the next level, with 6.5 and 7.0’s being world-class players. These are extremely advanced competitors with extensive past and continued training. 

Tennis Levels Compared

LEVEL	LIMITATIONS	KEY SKILLS
1.0 – 1.5	– Pretty much everything	– Impressionability (at this level, as a complete beginner, you have the faculties to develop strong strokes and properly learn technique!)
2.0	– No directional intent – Unable to move around the court – Service and volleys	– Technique is more developed – General tennis rule knowledge
2.5	– No directional intent groundstrokes  – Inconsistent service game (struggles with toss usually) – Struggles to cover the court	– Court vision and judgment (this player can better anticipate how to move towards an oncoming ball and how they should adjust their stroke)
3.0	– Difficulty with shots outside of the comfort zone  – Difficulty changing location of shots  – Struggles at net – Lack of offense and aggressive play	– Hitting at medium pace – Prepared for shots; improved movement, ready position  – Solid lobs – Directions with shots (at this level, players begin to develop directional intentions)
3.5	– Hitting out of the comfort zone (ex. High shots, very paced shots)	– Directional capacity – Better consistency – Mental skills (ex. strategy)
4.0	– Many 4.0’s get in trouble for “going for too much”, or trying to hit too pretty of a shot  – Impatience	– Better serves – Court visualizer – Strong overheads and volley – Strategic lobbing capacity  – Spin use
4.5	– Occasional lack of control  – Over-hitting	– More offensive – Powered shots  – Better direction control
5.0	– Strategic variation	– Dependable, consistent, solid first and second serves – Winner volleys  – Solid touch, or the ability to do what they want with the ball  – Ability to make strong passing shots
6.0 – 7.0	– None	– Everything here is to the next level! – Better anticipation, can handle stress – Power, consistency, ability to perceive opponent better