Ranking system
A rating that tells the truth.
CourtNomad uses the Glicko-2 algorithm — the same one applied in chess, Go, and esports. Unlike simple Elo, Glicko-2 tracks not just the rating value but also its reliability.
Rank table
A1–A5
Elite
2000–2800+ RPTournament players, ex-professionals, ITF-ranked players.
B+1–B+5
Advanced
1700–2000 RPExperienced recreational players who regularly compete in tournaments or leagues.
B1–B5
Intermediate
1450–1700 RPSolid technician. Consistent play with good tactical awareness.
C+1–C+5
Low-intermediate
1200–1450 RPDeveloping consistency. Reliable strokes but occasional errors.
C1–C5
Beginner
800–1200 RPLearning the basics or returning to tennis after a break. Focus on correct technique.
Each category has 5 sub-levels (e.g. B1 is the strongest in the B group, B5 the weakest). RP = Rating Points — the numerical rating value.
How Glicko-2 works
Three parameters instead of one
Each player has three numbers: RP (your rating), RD (rating deviation — reliability of the rating), and sigma (volatility). High RD means the algorithm isn't confident in your level and will make larger corrections. Low RD means a stable, reliable rating.
Opponent strength is factored in
Winning against a stronger opponent earns more points than winning against a weaker one. Losing to a weaker opponent costs more than losing to a stronger one. There's no benefit to farming easy opponents.
Margin of victory affects correction
The system looks at the set and game difference — not just who won. A convincing 6:1 6:0 win earns more than a tight 7:5 7:6. This reflects the real level difference.
Inactivity increases uncertainty
If you don't play for a long time, your RD grows — the algorithm becomes less certain of your level. Matches after a break result in larger corrections in both directions. Regular play keeps your rating stable.
Provisional rating at the start
For the first 10–15 matches you're a 'provisional' player — the rating may fluctuate more. After stabilization, results become more reliable. This is normal and part of the algorithm.
Women's category
Separate leaderboard, same algorithm.
Women's singles and women's doubles have completely separate leaderboards and rating systems that don't mix with the men's categories. The Glicko-2 algorithm is identical — the only difference is that RP values aren't compared across genders.
To participate in women's categories, a player must be marked as female in their profile settings.
Rating integrity
Double confirmation
Every result is confirmed by both players. The rating doesn't change until the other player confirms.
Dispute system
If players disagree on the result, a dispute is opened and reviewed by moderators within 48 hours.
No manipulation
The algorithm detects unusual patterns (farming weak opponents, a series of fake losses). Such cases are automatically flagged.
Public formula
The Glicko-2 formula is publicly available. Anyone can verify how the rating would change before a match.