What is World Tennis Number (WTN)?
The World Tennis Number (WTN) is the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) global rating system. Introduced to create a universal standard across all national federations, WTN rates players on a scale from 40 (beginner) to 1 (professional)—the lower the number, the better the player.
WTN calculates ratings using match results from national federation databases, including USTA tournaments in the United States. The system updates weekly on Wednesdays and considers match history going back to 2016, giving it a longer historical view than some other rating systems.
One key feature of WTN is its global reach. Since it's the ITF's official system, players from different countries can be compared on the same scale, which is particularly useful for international competition and players who compete across borders.
What is Universal Tennis Rating (UTR)?
The Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) is a global tennis rating system that rates all players—men, women, juniors, and adults—on a single 16-point scale. Unlike WTN, higher UTR numbers indicate stronger players, with top professionals typically rated between 13 and 16.
UTR has become the de facto standard for junior tennis and college recruiting in the United States. College coaches rely heavily on UTR when evaluating prospects because it allows direct comparison across age groups and genders. The rating updates daily based on your most recent 30 eligible matches from the past 12 months.
What makes UTR unique is its focus on game-by-game performance rather than just wins and losses. A close loss to a higher-rated opponent can actually improve your UTR, while a narrow win against a much lower-rated player might not help as much. This encourages competitive play and rewards strong performances regardless of the final outcome.
How This Conversion Works
This converter uses formulas derived from academic research conducted by Duke University professors William J. Mayew and Rebecca L. Mayew. Their 2023 study analyzed 1,532 matches played by 870 junior players at the USTA Junior National Championships.
The conversion formulas are:
- WTN to UTR: UTR = 15.3567 - (0.3539 × WTN)
- UTR to WTN: WTN = 39.1836 - (2.3973 × UTR)
These linear regression formulas were derived by mapping player ratings from both systems and finding the best-fit relationship between them. The research found that within the studied population, these formulas provided reliable conversions.
Conversion Reference Table
| WTN | UTR (Approx) | NTRP Level |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 13.6 | 5.5+ |
| 10 | 12.0 | 5.0 |
| 15 | 10.0 | 4.5 |
| 20 | 8.3 | 4.0 |
| 25 | 6.5 | 3.5 |
| 30 | 4.7 | 3.0 |
| 35 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| 40 | 1.2 | 2.0 |
Important Limitations
While this converter provides useful estimates, there are important limitations to understand:
- Different data sources: WTN relies on federation-reported results while UTR incorporates data from multiple sources including clubs and academies. Your ratings may differ if you play matches counted by one system but not the other.
- Different time windows: UTR uses your last 30 matches from 12 months; WTN uses historical data back to 2016. A player whose level has recently changed significantly may see larger discrepancies.
- Research limitations: The conversion formulas were derived from junior national championship players. They may be less accurate for recreational adults or players at the extreme ends of the rating scales.
- Rating volatility: Both ratings fluctuate as you play matches. A conversion done today may not reflect your ratings next month.
Related Tools
Understanding tennis ratings is just the beginning. Check out our other tools:
- UTR Match Predictor - See win probabilities based on UTR differences
- UTR Rating Impact Calculator - Estimate how a match will affect your rating
For more context on how different rating systems compare, read our article on UTR vs USTA Rankings: What Parents Need to Know.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this WTN to UTR conversion?
This converter uses formulas derived from Duke University research analyzing 1,532 matches at the 2022 USTA Junior National Championships. While it provides a good approximation, actual ratings may vary since WTN and UTR use different algorithms, data sources, and update frequencies.
Why are my WTN and UTR ratings different?
WTN and UTR calculate ratings differently. UTR uses your last 30 matches from the past 12 months and updates daily. WTN uses match history going back to 2016 and updates weekly. They also weight factors like match format and opponent strength differently.
Which rating is better, WTN or UTR?
Both ratings have their strengths. UTR is widely used in the US for junior and college tennis recruitment. WTN is the ITF's global standard used by national federations worldwide. Most competitive junior players benefit from knowing both ratings.
Can I use this to predict my official UTR from my WTN?
This tool provides an estimate only. Your actual UTR depends on your specific match results, opponents, and when you played. Use this as a general guide, but check your official UTR at myutr.com for accurate ratings.
What is a good UTR for a junior tennis player?
It depends on age and goals. For college recruitment, D1 men typically need UTR 11+, D1 women need 9+. For D3, men around 8-10 and women 6-8 are competitive. Top nationally-ranked juniors often have UTRs of 10-14+.