Protected Rankings and Other Special Entry Terms in Tennis: Explained Simply

Those small labels you see next to a player's name tell you how they got into the tournament. Some players qualify through their ranking, some get a pass because of injury or past results, and others sneak in because someone withdrew at the last minute. It feels complicated on paper, but once you understand the terms, the whole system makes sense. 

Use this as your cheat sheet for every special entry you will come across in ATP, WTA and ITF events. By the time you are done, reading an entry list will feel as natural as checking a draw sheet before a big match.

LLs are selected based on ranking or a random draw (depending on the round and rules).

Think about when a former world number one like Andy Murray returned after hip surgery. He had been out for so long that his ranking had completely disappeared. It makes no sense for a player of that level to start again in ITF events or fight for spots in Challengers. It does not help him, and it does not help the players competing at those levels either. That is exactly where the Protected Ranking comes in. It allows established players to re-enter the main tour at a level that reflects who they were before the injury, not the number next to their name after months on the sidelines. 

This rule protects players returning from long layoffs, keeps the competitive balance fair, and allows stars to come back without starting from zero.

For example, if a player reaches the semifinals of one event while the qualifying rounds of the next event are already taking place, they can be granted an SE spot directly into the main draw.

The system was introduced to fast track the development of standout juniors and make their transition from ITF events to Challengers much easier. Instead of starting at the very bottom of the pro ladder, these young talents are given a head start that matches their potential and results.

Example: The French Tennis Federation awarding a wildcard to a local French player for Roland Garros.

Example: The French Tennis Federation and Tennis Australia often exchange wildcards, giving one French player a spot in the Australian Open and one Australian player a spot in Roland Garros.

DA is the most common entry type.

This situation is rare during the regular season, but it is very common at the ATP Finals, where two alternates are officially part of the event. They practice with the top players all week and remain on standby, ready to replace anyone who cannot continue.

This table sums up the most common entry terms you will come across in ATP, WTA and ITF events. Some codes appear directly on draws, while others describe how players were admitted behind the scenes.