I've been taking a look at competing in a futures tournament, but have no international ranking. I know that I need an ITF pin number, which I've learned is simple enough to get. However, when I take a look at all the different futures tournaments scheduled throughout the year, I'm unclear about how to enter one. I noticed there are two parts, the qualifying and main draw, to the tournaments, but also noticed there is a entry fee of $100. I know for sure that I'll have to go through the qualifying draw, but I was reading some players don't even gain entry into the qualifying draw and must wait on a first come, first serve basis. What is the point of the $100 entry fee then? I was unclear about the whole process, and was hoping someone might clear up some of these points for me. I took a look at the ITF FAQ but that doesn't answer everything. Any help is appreciated!
Entry into Futures tournaments?
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I stole this from another post:
First of all you need an ITF Pin number, which is easy to obtain through the ITF website.
Next you find several $10,000 tournaments within a driving distance you want to play.
See how large of a qualifying draw they will be having. larger area or tournaments will have a 64 or even a 128 qualifying draw.
The larger the qualifying draw the better the chance for you to get in.
Next step is the key, show up early when registration is for qualifying, find a spot in line and wait.
Qualifying entries for open spots are taken based on first come first serve basis.
Ranked players will get preference into qualifying.
But if there are open spots, which majority of tournaments all have open spots, they go to whoever is next in line regardless of ranking.
If you manage to make it through qualifying, usually winning 3 matches. You get into the main draw.
If you can win a round in the main draw, then you have ATP points. Having points will then make it easier to get into qualifying or even main draws or smaller tournaments.
First of all you need an ITF Pin number, which is easy to obtain through the ITF website.
Next you find several $10,000 tournaments within a driving distance you want to play.
See how large of a qualifying draw they will be having. larger area or tournaments will have a 64 or even a 128 qualifying draw.
The larger the qualifying draw the better the chance for you to get in.
Next step is the key, show up early when registration is for qualifying, find a spot in line and wait.
Qualifying entries for open spots are taken based on first come first serve basis.
Ranked players will get preference into qualifying.
But if there are open spots, which majority of tournaments all have open spots, they go to whoever is next in line regardless of ranking.
If you manage to make it through qualifying, usually winning 3 matches. You get into the main draw.
If you can win a round in the main draw, then you have ATP points. Having points will then make it easier to get into qualifying or even main draws or smaller tournaments.
I appreciate the help jdubbs. I had seen that earlier from searching google, which is how I came to this forum. It still doesn't answer my question of that $100 entry fee. I would have to drive a 5+ hours to get to certain closest tournaments just to find out I can't play? That's why I'm wondering if I paid the $100 fee I could just enter into qualifying draw garunteed.
I'm looking at all the fact sheets on the tournament listings and I see that there is a singles entry deadline as well as a sign in deadline for the qualifying draw. I assume you're supposed to show up before the sign in deadline? Also, I do see the entry fees are actually $40, but when do you pay that or what is it for?
yonexpurestorm
Rookie
the 40$ is the entry fee. if you dont have a ranking you will probably have to qualify for the qualifier. im in so cal and we have 3 futures coming up. each of these tournies have usta tournies on tennis link to qualify for the qualifier. i wouldnt drive 5 hours in hopes of being lucky to be given a spot in the qualy. find a tourn that has a wild card or something. ussually these tournies will guarentee u a spot and you can then qualify for the futures spot.
It doesnt guarantee you entry, but, if you dont get in, you get your money back.
How do you know which USTA tournaments are linked with getting a wild card into the futures tournaments? I'm trying to look on tennis link but there are no tournaments in texas dealing with that i think.
atatu
Legend
Here's one in September that will get you a wildcard into the main draw of a futures in Austin:
http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=109744
http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=109744
accidental
Hall of Fame
This is good information but slightly out of date im afraid.
In futures events, after you enter and at the entry deadline they will release an acceptance list. You will find your name under 'Main Draw', 'Qualifying' or 'Alternate' sections. If you are in the qualifying list, you are already accepted into qualifying and just need to show up and sign in by the sign in deadline that will be posted on the entry list.
They will determine your entry as either Main Draw, Qualifying or alternate first by your World Ranking if you have one, then by your national ranking if you have one, and finally by first come first serve.
There is no longer any need to show up to an event and try and sign in as early as possible. If you want to get into qualifying without any kind of ranking your best bet is to pick an event which typically has byes in their qualifying draws (just look through the draws from previous years), and then enter as early as possible.
Even if you do end up on far down on the alternate list you might still end up in the qualifying, as many players withdraw immediately when they find they arent given direct entry to a draw.
You will only get charged the entry fee if you are acepted into qualifying or the main draw. Also keep in mind if you do end up in the qualifying and decide you dont want to play, you may get fined unless you have a medical reason.
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accidental
Hall of Fame
The sign in deadline is when you actually have to be on site at the tournament. Its not like Open tournaments where you enter and then just show up on the day, you have to check in, the day before your match usually, so they know you arent going to do a no show and deprive some other player of a spot.
You only get charged the $40 when you are accepted into the main draw or the qualifying.
Also if you end up on the entry list fopr main draw or qualifying and fail to check in you will get taken out of the draw and get fined by the itf.
