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How does ELO ranking work in tennis?

Discover how the ELO ranking system works in tennis and how DEUCE calculates your real level after each match.

What is the ELO ranking system?

The ELO system is a method for calculating the relative skill levels of players, originally invented by physicist Arpad Elo for chess. Today it is used across many competitive sports and games, including tennis.

How does it work?

Every player starts with a base score (400 points on DEUCE). After each match, points are exchanged between the two players based on two factors: the match result (win or loss) and the skill gap between the two players.

If you beat a highly ranked player, you gain a lot of points. If you lose to a lower-ranked player, you lose a lot. The system rewards performance against strong opponents.

Why is it better than official rankings?

Official tennis rankings are based on licensed tournaments only. ELO updates after every single match, even a casual friendly game. It reflects your real level in real time, not just your results in official competitions.

How to track your ELO with DEUCE?

On DEUCE, your ELO score updates automatically after every recorded match. You can track your progression over time, see your global ranking and compare your level with friends. Create your free account at deuceapp.fr.

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