Not every player in a professional tennis tournament earns a place in the main draw through their world ranking.
For many players, the journey begins in the qualifying tournament. Those who successfully make it through are known as qualifiers.
Qualifying is one of the toughest parts of professional tennis. Players are often required to win multiple matches over several days just to earn a place in the main event, where they then face some of the world’s best competitors.
For many rising professionals, qualifying is the gateway to building a career on the ATP and WTA Tours.
What Is a Qualifier?
A qualifier is a player who earns a place in a tournament’s main draw by successfully progressing through the qualifying competition.
Unlike players who receive direct entry based on their ranking, qualifiers must win a series of matches before the tournament officially begins.
Once they qualify, they become full participants in the main draw and compete under exactly the same conditions as every other player.
Why Do Tournaments Have Qualifying?
Professional tournaments attract far more entrants than can fit into the main draw.
For example, a Grand Slam singles draw contains 128 players, but hundreds of players may wish to compete.
Qualifying allows players with lower rankings to earn their place through performance rather than ranking alone.
It also gives emerging players an opportunity to compete against higher-ranked opponents and gain valuable ranking points.
How Does Qualifying Work?
Before the main draw begins, a separate qualifying tournament is held.
Players compete in a knockout format, with the winner of each match progressing to the next round.
Those who win every qualifying match earn a place in the main draw.
The exact number of qualifying rounds depends on the tournament.
Generally:
- Grand Slams require players to win three qualifying matches.
- Many ATP and WTA Tour events require two qualifying matches.
- Challenger and ITF tournaments vary depending on the size of the event.
Do Qualifiers Receive Ranking Points?
Yes.
Players earn ranking points for every qualifying match they win, even if they do not reach the main draw.
If they successfully qualify and then win matches in the main draw, they continue earning additional ranking points and prize money.
For many players ranked outside the world’s top 100, qualifying tournaments are an important source of both experience and ranking points.
Can a Qualifier Win a Tournament?
Absolutely.
Although it’s uncommon, qualifiers have occasionally gone on to win professional tournaments after starting in the qualifying draw.
Because they have already played several competitive matches before the main event begins, qualifiers sometimes enter the tournament with valuable match rhythm and confidence.
One of the most memorable in professional tennis was Emma Raducanu’s run to win the US Open in 2021, while Valentin Vacherot won the Shanghai Masters event in 2025 as a qualifier.
What Happens If a Qualifier Loses?
If a player loses during qualifying, they are eliminated from the tournament.
However, there is one important exception.
If a player in the main draw withdraws after qualifying has finished, a losing player from the final round of qualifying may receive another opportunity as a Lucky Loser.
This process ensures that the main draw remains full even when late withdrawals occur.
Qualifier vs Wild Card
These two forms of entry are often confused.
| Qualifier | Wild Card |
|---|---|
| Earns entry by winning qualifying matches | Invited by tournament organisers |
| Entry is based entirely on results | Entry is awarded at the organisers’ discretion |
| Must play qualifying tournament | Enters directly into the main draw or qualifying draw |
Qualifiers earn their place entirely on court, while wild cards are selected by tournament organisers.
Qualifier vs Lucky Loser
These terms are also different.
A qualifier wins every qualifying match and earns a main draw position.
A lucky loser loses in the final round of qualifying but enters the main draw because another player withdraws before the tournament begins.
Although both appear in the main draw, they arrive there in different ways.
Why Qualifiers Matter
Many of today’s biggest stars spent years competing in qualifying events before establishing themselves on the main tours.
Qualifying provides opportunities for:
- Young professionals beginning their careers.
- Players returning from injury.
- Competitors rebuilding their rankings.
- Lower-ranked players seeking breakthrough results.
Without qualifying tournaments, far fewer players would have the chance to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a qualifier in tennis?
A qualifier is a player who earns a place in the main draw by winning the required qualifying matches before the tournament begins.
How many matches do qualifiers have to win?
It depends on the tournament. Grand Slams generally require three qualifying victories, while many ATP and WTA events require two.
Do qualifiers earn ranking points?
Yes. Players receive ranking points for qualifying wins, with additional points available if they progress in the main draw.
Can a qualifier win a Grand Slam?
Yes. Although extremely rare, qualifiers can continue advancing just like every other player once they reach the main draw.
What’s the difference between a qualifier and a wild card?
A qualifier earns entry through winning matches. A wild card receives entry directly from the tournament organisers.
Final Thoughts
Qualifying is one of the toughest challenges in professional tennis. Before the spotlight of the main draw, hundreds of players battle for a limited number of places, often needing to win multiple matches just to earn the chance to compete.
For fans, qualifiers are often players to watch. Every season, unknown names emerge from qualifying to upset higher-ranked opponents and announce themselves on the biggest stages in tennis.
Continue Reading
- What Is a Wild Card in Tennis?
- What Is a Lucky Loser in Tennis?
- The ATP Tour Explained
- The WTA Tour Explained
- Tennis Ranking Points Explained
- Protected Ranking Explained
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