TennisLadderGet the app
Rules & FAQ

Everything you need to know
to play fair and have fun.

League rules

Match format

  • All matches are best of 3 sets.
  • Each set is played to 6 games, with a tiebreak at 6-6.
  • The third set may be played as a 10-point match tiebreak (first to 10, win by 2), if both players agree.
  • Scores must reflect a valid tennis result (e.g., 6-3, 4-6, 10-7). The app validates the format automatically.

Scoring and ranks

  • Both players (or all four in doubles) must be active members of the ladder for the match to count.
  • Either player can submit the score after the match. The opponent has 48 hours to confirm or dispute.
  • Once confirmed, points are awarded automatically and the ladder updates in real time.
  • If no confirmation or dispute is received within 48 hours, the submitted score is auto-confirmed.

Challenges

  • A direct challenge is valid for 7 days. If your opponent doesn't respond, it expires automatically.
  • You can challenge any player in your ladder, but be reasonable — don't challenge the same player repeatedly.
  • A challenge can be declined without reason. The challenger is notified.

Match Board

  • An open match posted on the Match Board is valid for 7 days or until accepted by another player.
  • The first player who accepts gets the match.
  • Once accepted, the match becomes a regular fixture and must be played or formally cancelled.

Cancellations and forfeits

  • Mutual cancellation — Both players can agree to cancel a match before it's played, with no penalty.
  • Weather cancellation — If the weather makes the match impossible, either player can request a cancellation. The opponent confirms or refuses through the app.
  • Forfeit — If a player doesn't show up or doesn't respond to scheduling, the opponent can claim a forfeit. Forfeits count as a loss for the no-show player.

Doubles and mixed doubles

  • A team can have up to 4 members in Doubles (or up to 3 in Mixed Doubles). Only 2 players compete in each match.
  • In Mixed Doubles, each match requires one male and one female player on each side.
  • All team members receive the same notifications and ranking updates.
  • Both partners must confirm scores submitted by an opponent team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

Is TennisLadder free?

Yes, joining and playing is currently free. The business model may evolve in the future, but any changes will be announced clearly in advance.

What if I don't know my NTRP rating?

Start with 3.0 as a default. After a few matches, you'll see whether you need to adjust up or down. You can change your rating in your profile at any time, within reason.

Can I join multiple ladders?

Yes. You can join Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles ladders in your area at the same time. Each one has its own rank.

What if there aren't enough players in my area yet?

We're launching market by market across the United States. As more players join, the ladders fill up. You can still join early to be ready when others arrive.

Playing matches

Where do I play my matches?

Anywhere both players agree on — a public court, your club, a school court. TennisLadder doesn't book courts for you.

Can I play with someone who's not in my ladder?

You can play tennis with anyone, but for the match to count toward your TennisLadder rank, both players must be in the same ladder.

What happens if there's a dispute over the score?

Either player can dispute a submitted score within 48 hours. Both players should try to resolve it via chat. If you can't agree, contact support — we'll review the situation.

Can I reschedule a match?

Yes. Talk to your opponent through the in-app chat. If the new date works for both of you, just play and submit the score when you're done.

Doubles and teams

How big can a doubles team be?

A Doubles team can have up to 4 members, and a Mixed Doubles team up to 3. Only 2 players actually compete in each match — the extra members give you flexibility when someone can't play.

How do I find a partner if I don't have one?

Register for the doubles ladder you want to join. You'll appear in the "Pending teams" section — a list of players looking for a partner. Other players can invite you, or you can invite them.

Can I be on multiple teams?

You can join multiple ladders, but typically only one team per format (Doubles or Mixed Doubles) per season.

Ranks and points

How are points calculated?

Points are based on the match result, your opponent's rank relative to yours, and how decisive the match was. Beating a higher-ranked player earns more points than beating a lower-ranked one.

Why is my rank "—"?

You're shown as unranked until you've played at least one match. Once you have a result, you'll appear in the ladder.

How often does the ladder update?

In real time. As soon as a score is confirmed, the ladder is recalculated and updated for everyone.

Seasons and playoffs

When does a season start and end?

Each season lasts a few months. The exact dates are visible in the app, in the Season Banner at the top of the Ladder.

Who qualifies for the playoffs?

The top players in each ladder at the end of the season are invited to a playoff bracket. The exact number depends on the size of the ladder.

Does my rank carry over to the next season?

Ranks reset at the start of each new season — everyone gets a fresh shot. Your match history is preserved in your profile.

Account and privacy

Is my phone number visible to other players?

Only if you choose to share it. By default, your phone number is hidden. Players communicate through the in-app chat.

Can I delete my account?

Yes. Go to Profile → Settings → Delete Account. Your data will be removed within 30 days, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

How do I report a player for inappropriate behavior?

Open the player's profile or the chat, tap the menu, and choose Report. We review every report. Repeated or serious offenses lead to account suspension.

Technical

Which devices does TennisLadder work on?

iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets.

Why am I not receiving notifications?

Check that notifications are enabled in your phone's Settings → TennisLadder → Notifications, and in the app's own Settings → Notifications.

I found a bug. How do I report it?

Use the Feedback option in the app drawer, or email contact@tennisladder.app. Include a description and, if possible, a screenshot.

Still have questions? Reach out anytime: contact@tennisladder.app