Things are getting more and more complicated in the ranking system. The ATP and the WTA decided to change the way on how rankings are calculated in order to cope with the complications of traveling.
The ATP decided to extend its so-called “best of ranking logic” with the following communication.
“ATP EXTENDS ‘BEST OF’ RANKING LOGIC UNTIL AUGUST 2021
The ATP has extended the ‘Best Of’ logic for the FedEx ATP Rankings through to the week of 9 August 2021 (inclusive of Canada).
Results from all tournaments between 4 March – 5 August 2019, that were not played in 2020, will be extended a further 52-weeks and weighted at 50%. This reduction will occur at the originally designated drop date for each event and the ‘Best Of’ logic will only count the better of a player’s two scores from the same Tour-level event.
EXAMPLE: A player will be able to count either 50% of his 2019 Madrid result, or 100% of his 2021 Madrid result, whichever is greater, for the next 52 weeks
When 2019 tournaments are reduced to 50%, they lose their mandatory status in player’s ranking breakdowns and begin to be considered as ‘Best of Other’.
Results from rescheduled 2020 tournaments (Kitzbuhel, Hamburg, Rome & Roland-Garros) will also be included for an additional 52 weeks at 50% from their originally scheduled drop date and be compared against the 2021 event in a ‘Best Of’ Logic. The 2019 edition of these four events will drop from the rankings as per their currently scheduled drop date.
In 2021, all results prior to Wimbledon 2021 will be counted as ‘Best of Other’ in a player ranking breakdown with a review of subsequent events to follow.
Top 30 commitment entry and ranking penalties at the ATP 500 category will not be in place at events prior to Wimbledon 2021.
ATP ranking points earned at ATP Challenger and ITF WTT events held between 4 March – 5 August 2019 will be reduced by 50% at its scheduled drop date and extended on a player’s ranking for 52 weeks.
At this time, it is anticipated that the rankings will resume with ATP points dropping off on 52-week basis beginning 16 August 2021 (Cincinnati). Providing no further changes are made, a traditional ranking incorporating only results from the previous 52 weeks, will apply again on 15 August 2022.
The decision to retain 50% of points earned in 2019 during the period corresponding to the 2020 suspension, aims to provide players a measure of security in months ahead while travel restrictions and stringent health & safety measures continue to apply.”