NTRP Question

[AlpineCadet]

One of my regular hitting partners is in a SoCal USTA league and is ranked 4.0 as a singles player. In the past 4 months, out of our ~15 singles matches, I have never lost against him. I have around four Bagels against him, and on my worst day, our only closest match score was 6-4. My question is, would it be fair to say that I am a 4.0, a strong 4.0, or a 4.5? (He is the only person who I've hit with, with an official 4.0 rating in the USTA league.)

 

[RestockingTues]

I'd say a strong 4.0. From what I've seen I'd say 4.0 to 4.5 is a running leap; the varsity 2 singles player at my school is a 4.5 at best, but every match he plays he comes out with double bagels or breadsticks against even strong 4.0s.

 

[AlpineCadet]

^Thanks. More opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Midlife crisis]

Take a look at your hitting partner's league record and see if they are a low 4.0, mid-4.0, or strong 4.0. If they're playing at about a low 4.0 level, you're probably a strong 4.0. If they were a mid 4.0, I'd say you're probably a low-to-mid 4.5. If they're a strong 4.0, you're probably going to be around the upper third mark of 4.5's. Strong 4.5's would probably average a 6-1 set against a strong 4.0.

 

[WBF]

There obviously isn't enough information Try playing some other players!

Regardless, I have to say... *never* losing is indicative of *at least* a .5 level difference, unless there are some other factors at play (e.g. you are a lefty, but that guy can't play lefties, or other specifics not covered by the NTRP).

 

[RestockingTues]

I also agree with WBF that you should hit with more people.
I used to hit with a weak 4.0 player, and i'd beat him with bread sticks every time. Then I met a strong 4.0 and he beats ME with bread sticks. 4.0's represent about 60% of the tennis playing population where I live, there's a HUGE range in this level. So you have to take that in mind

 

[raiden031]

Based on what you describe, I would say your NTRP rating would be about .30 above his. However, you cannot judge your ability based on many matches against the same person, because of the way certain players match up. Lets say your partner is undefeated in 4.0 league so is probably a strong 4.0. Well its possible you could join his league and you wouldn't even have a winning record. But somehow your game gives him difficulty, plus you know each other's game very well so you know what to do against him.

 

[RestockingTues]

Based on what you describe, I would say your NTRP rating would be about .30 above his. However, you cannot judge your ability based on many matches against the same person, because of the way certain players match up. Lets say your partner is undefeated in 4.0 league so is probably a strong 4.0. Well its possible you could join his league and you wouldn't even have a winning record. But somehow your game gives him difficulty, plus you know each other's game very well so you know what to do against him.

Raiden's right. Just because A can beat B, and B can beat C, that doesn't mean A is necessarily better then C

 

[goober]

I agree with everybody else. You cannot make an accurate rating determination based on playing one player over and over. I play a strong 4.5 player often for about 4-5 years. Because I have played him so often I know his game really well and our sets are close or I even win some practice matches. But against other 4.5 players with a similar record I usually lose- often badly.

You need matchups against a whole bunch of different players to get a better picture. If you are trying to join a league or tourney, I would start at 4.0 and see how well you do. If you win easily, bump yourself up.

 

[AlpineCadet]

(He is the only person who I've hit with, with an official 4.0 rating in the USTA league.)

Out of curiosity, I just wanted something tangible from my experience with a USTA rated player. Thanks everyone, esp. Midlife Crisis 8)

 

[raiden031]

Out of curiosity, I just wanted something tangible from my experience with a USTA rated player. Thanks everyone, esp. Midlife Crisis 8)

Even with the lack of data, I think you can comfortably say you are a 4.0 player (assuming your partner isn't getting slaughtered by everyone in his league), but I wouldn't go as far as to say 4.5.