Strong 3.5 beat a fairly weak 4.5

[Jay27]

Hello, I played 4 sets tonight and one 10 point tie breaker (I'm the 3.5 player). First I played a comptuer rated 3.0 one set (warmup) and won 6-0 with absolutely no problems. He got 5 points the entire time (all on my mistakes). Then played a set with a computer rated 3.5 player and won 6-2 with no problems (he's a good player, but doesn't hit with great pace, but does get everything back). Then, I played this guy who just graduated from a NAIA college in Indiana. He was all conference in singles and doubles and is a fun player to hit with. USTA automatically rated him a 4.5, so that's why he's a 4.5 (and he is holding his own in the league). I played him next and won the first set 6-3, then he won the next set 6-4, and then I won the 3rd set tie breaker 10-3. We had a wonderful match. I played really well, and he was smoking the ball. It was a lot of fun, and it really gives me a lot of confidence going into this season. Also, the 4.5 guy is such a great guy...complimenting me on great shots. Absolutely a class act. I didn't serve as hard as I could (like I used to), but am placing the ball with good precision. My strokes were spot on tonight. I have a 4.0 match this weekend, so I'm getting pumped. Then, I have a 3.5 match the next Saturday. I'm hoping to continue good play. Anyway...just thought I'd post since I'm kind of happy...lol.

 

[Vyse]

Good job, keep it up!

 

[Zachol82]

Great job on beating someone an entire level above you!

 

[prattle128]

Good play! Sounds like if you keep your level of play up, and keep improving, you could move up to 4.0!

 

[HunterST]

so basically you're a sandbagger and proud of it?

 

[Nanshiki]

so basically you're a sandbagger and proud of it?

lmfao I was going to say that.

 

[35ft6]

Congratulations! But your post doesn't make a lot of sense. The rating is based on who would win. It's not like a golf handicap. A true 4.5 should never lose to a true 3.5, so obviously you're better than you think you are.

 

[xFullCourtTenniSx]

Great job on beating someone an entire level above you!

Is that even possible?! O.O

Beating a confirmed 3.5 player 6-2 easily means you're a 4.0 player. So strong 4.0 and a weak 4.5 have very little seperating each other. I also don't count tiebreakers because it really can go either way up to a whole level difference.

You should be able to hold your own pretty well in the 4.0 level though. No way in hell by the descriptions are you a 3.5.

 

[HunterST]

I believe the explanation I see coming is that the 4.5 was actually lower than a 4.5 but since he played in college he was just automatically considered one. However, I really don't see anyone who plays at the collegiate level being lower than a 4.5 and definitely not if they were all conference and whatever else this guy was.

Fact of the matter is OP is probably playing at a level too low for him. 4.0 should be a better fit, but he might be a 4.5 if he's beating college players.

 

[ZPTennis]

beat another 3.5 player 6-2 and beat a supposed 4.5.

your really a 4.0.

 

[Jay27]

Not real sure how to react to the replies. I'm happy to have won, but I'm not real sure that I'm a sandbagger at the 3.5 level. I'm probably on the upper end of the 3.5 level and have pretty good results, but I don't win every match in the USTA 3.5's. I lost every match in the 3.5 Districts (now those were some sandbaggers...lol). I think I matched up well with the guy I played (the 4.5). I won two 4.0 tourney's last year, and have lost in the second round of a 3.5 and lost in the semi's of another 3.5 (of those same tournaments (although, I won 1 3.5 tourney last year at another tourney). I do compete competively in the 4.0 USTA league's, but I've never played a singles match yet (always been 3rd doubles...). Benefits of being a rated 3.5 playing on a 4.0 team. I think you guys do have a point though (not sandbagging, but that I'm probably moving onto that next level (4.0)). But, I have to tell you, I'm a legit computer rated 3.5. I just lost too many close matches last year...lol...just thought you all would be proud!!!

 

[split-step]

Congrats on your improving game and beating quality opponents.
Keep on practising.

 

[Bud]

so basically you're a sandbagger and proud of it?

lmfao I was going to say that.

I was thinking the same as well.

There's no 3.5 who is going to defeat a 4.5

 

[Bud]

Not real sure how to react to the replies. I'm happy to have won, but I'm not real sure that I'm a sandbagger at the 3.5 level. I'm probably on the upper end of the 3.5 level and have pretty good results, but I don't win every match in the USTA 3.5's. I lost every match in the 3.5 Districts (now those were some sandbaggers...lol). I think I matched up well with the guy I played (the 4.5). I won two 4.0 tourney's last year, and have lost in the second round of a 3.5 and lost in the semi's of another 3.5 (of those same tournaments (although, I won 1 3.5 tourney last year at another tourney). I do compete competively in the 4.0 USTA league's, but I've never played a singles match yet (always been 3rd doubles...). Benefits of being a rated 3.5 playing on a 4.0 team. I think you guys do have a point though (not sandbagging, but that I'm probably moving onto that next level (4.0)). But, I have to tell you, I'm a legit computer rated 3.5. I just lost too many close matches last year...lol...just thought you all would be proud!!!

It sounds like your between 4.0 and 4.5

If you won two 4.0 tourneys, you're no 3.5. You should be playing 4.5

 

[dwhiteside]

It sounds like your between 4.0 and 4.5

If you won two 4.0 tourneys, you're no 3.5. You should be playing 4.5

You neglected where he said he lost in multiple 3.5 tourneys. Why should someone play 4.5 if they have lost in multiple 3.5 tourneys? Sounds like 4.0 is the right level.

 

[decades]

maybe you're a 3.85?

 

[dlesser13]

Sandbagger!

 

[Nanshiki]

I was thinking the same as well.

There's no 3.5 who is going to defeat a 4.5

Exactly. Generally someone who is a full level above someone is expected to win 6-0. If beat them, then you're the same level or above...

 

[Bud]

You neglected where he said he lost in multiple 3.5 tourneys. Why should someone play 4.5 if they have lost in multiple 3.5 tourneys? Sounds like 4.0 is the right level.

If you're winning 4.0 tournaments you should move up to 4.5... so you continue improving.

On a bad day a 4.0 can lose in a 3.5 tourny... especially if others are sandbagging as well.

 

[86golf]

Let me guess, you posted a video of your strokes on these boards and that is how you came up with your 3.5 rating

On any given day anything is possible. It goes back to the singles, doubles rating debate. I know plenty of good 4.0 doubles players that will get waxed by 3.5 singles specialists. I've seen it many times. 4.5, not as likely unless the 4.5 is really a 4.0.

 

[Jay27]

Well, thanks for the responses! It is interesting. Just a note to everyone...I'm pretty well versed in ratings, abilities, things that we should be able to do and not. I'm not oblivious to this stuff. So, I'm not a rookie coming on here stating things that don't make sense or trying to get people to believe unimaginable things. With that, I have my first match this Saturday in the 3.5's (4.0 match got cancelled today because of snow). So, we'll see how it goes and I'll be able to judge if my extra work has paid off during the off season. So, I'm excited. Also, if you guys want, I'll post a video of some strokes and you can judge for yourself if I'm a 3.5 or 4.0. Would that be fair?