Start competing

Tennis competitions provide opportunities for players of all levels to challenge themselves on a regular basis.

With the nation’s love for tennis growing bigger than ever before, it’s never been easier to pick up a racket and participate in competitions.

The LTA are passionate about providing opportunities for players at any level to compete and keen to help work around anything that is stopping you. Whether it be a topsy-turvy work schedule, inability to travel, or desire for family time, we have created some ace opportunities to break these barriers.

Getting started

To get the most out of competition you should try and play against players of a similar standard. To help you choose the level of competition that is right for you all LTA competitions are graded (7-1).

There are also two measures to help players understand and monitor their playing standard:

• LTA ratings - indicates a standard of play and allows players to monitor their progress.
• LTA rankings - a measure of where you stand in your age group nationally and within your county.

Competition grading

To help players identify suitable competitive opportunities so they can play against others of a similar standard competitions are graded from 7-1, progressing from local club level to county, regional and finally national level competitions.

Grade 7

If you are just starting to compete, Grade 7 competitions offer a great opportunity to gain some competitive experience in a local environment. These include local competitions such as club or squad box leagues and ladders. This grade of competition counts for ratings but not rankings. To find out more contact your local tennis venue or LTA regional office.

Grade 6

Competitions in this grade are usually match-plays which are open to all players to enter. They are run throughout the year and across the country and offer players in all age groups the chance to develop their competitive tennis. This grade of competition counts for ratings but not rankings. 

Grade 5

These competitions take place at local club or county level and are open to players of all ages and abilities. They might be for specific age groups or cater for different age groups within one tournament. These competitions count for both ratings and rankings.

Grade 4

These are county level competitions giving players the opportunity to gain competition experience at the next level and count for both ratings and rankings.

Grade 3

These are regional level competitions that count for both ratings and rankings. There are opportunities for players of all ages to compete in grade 3 competitions throughout the year.

Grade 2

These are national level competitions and count for both ratings and rankings.

Grade 1

This is the top level of national competition and counts for ratings and rankings.

Competitive tennis: The health benefits

To get the maximum benefit from the competition side tennis has to offer, we recommend joining your local tennis club. The beauty of tennis is that you are never too old or too young to join a club and start competing. It’s the best way to make the most of your leisure time amongst a busy working schedule, stay healthy and happy during retirement, or get the children out of the house and active – and we can back that up!

It’s a beneficial byproduct of playing sport that your body releases serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel good about yourself. Having the time on court to let off some steam can, therefore, lead to a much happier you.

Tennis is a non-impact sport which improves bone-density and flexibility of muscles and joints, with a minimal risk of injury. The cardiovascular elements of the game will also help towards a healthier lifestyle.

Competitive tennis: Improve your game and get some coaching

Working with a set of coaches will certainly develop your tennis ability, and if you want, provide a pathway to competitive tennis against players from other clubs.

And if that’s not enough, the tennis community welcomes everyone. The court is a safe place to meet with friends or make new ones, and start competing with like minded people whether they be of similar age and tennis skill, or people who love the game just as much as you do.