Find out what to expect when playing in your first tennis competition, from how to enter, to what happens after the competition is over.
How to Enter a Tennis Competition
How do I enter a tennis competition?
Most tennis competitions can be entered online using the LTA competition search tool. To enter online you need your British Tennis Membership number and log-in details (username and password).
Watch A ‘How to’ video explaining the competition search tool.
I am not a British Tennis Memeber, what should I do?
If you are not a British Tennis Member - Sign up to British Tennis Membership.
Before the Tennis Competition
If I have entered a competition am I guaranteed a space?
No. Many competitions receive more entries than they can accommodate. If a competition is oversubscribed, entries will be accepted based firstly on a player’s rating, and then a player’s ranking.
The organiser will attempt to notify all players within three working days of the closing date whether they have been accepted into the competition. Some players may be placed on a reserve list. You can view your status by using the LTA competition search tool.
How do I know what time my first match will be?
Organisers will contact all players prior to the start of the competition to notify them of their first match time. If you haven’t heard from the organiser remember it is your responsibility to check the date and time of your first match. You should arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before your match time.
What should I take with me to the competition?
Remember your racket and make sure you are wearing suitable clothing and footwear. It is also advisable to take a drink and some food with you.
Read further advice on tennis equipment.
I entered a competition but now can’t play, what can I do?
All competitions have a withdrawal deadline. Prior to the deadline, a player can withdraw online via the LTA Member’s Area. If the deadline has passed, a player must contact the organiser and will receive withdrawal points.
Further information on withdrawing from a competition and the penalties for late withdrawal can be found in the LTA Competition Regulations.
During the Tennis Competition
What should I do when I arrive at the competition?
On arrival at the competition venue, go straight to the sign-in desk and register so the organiser knows you are on site and ready to play.
Competition notices including draw sheets, the LTA Competition Regulations and Fair Play notices will be on display at the venue. Read these notices before playing your first match, further information on these areas can be found at the following links:
LTA Competition Regulations
Fair Play
How will I know when I can go on court to start my match?
The organiser will call matches when courts become available. Ensure you are ready to play and make sure you know what scoring format is being used.
What should I do after my match?
Once the match has been completed both you and your opponent must report the score to the organiser and find out what time your next match will be. Before leaving the competition, ensure you have no further matches that day.
After the Tennis Competition
When will my results appear online?
Following completion of the competition the organiser will submit the results to the LTA. This process will normally be carried out within 72 hours.
What do I do if my results do not appear after 72 hours, or appear incorrectly?
If after 72 hours your results do not appear online, or appear incorrectly, you should contact the organiser. You can check all of your tournament results by logging into your LTA online member’s area.