Every professional tennis tournament has a qualifying competition where players fight for a place in the main draw. Most who lose are eliminated—but a select few are given a second chance.
These players are known as lucky losers.
A lucky loser is a player who loses in the final round of qualifying but still reaches the main draw after another player withdraws before the tournament begins.
Although the name suggests luck alone, players must first come within one match of qualifying before they are even eligible.
What Is a Lucky Loser?
A lucky loser is a player who loses in the final round of qualifying but is later promoted into the main draw because another player withdraws before their first-round match.
Instead of leaving the tournament, the player takes the vacant position in the draw.
Once they enter the main draw, they compete exactly like every other player.
How Does a Player Become a Lucky Loser?
To be eligible, a player must:
- Enter the qualifying tournament.
- Reach the final round of qualifying.
- Lose in that final qualifying match.
- Be selected to replace a withdrawing player before the main draw begins.
Players who lose earlier in qualifying are not eligible.
How Are Lucky Losers Chosen?
When more than one player loses in the final round of qualifying, there are usually several eligible lucky losers.
The selection process depends on the tournament regulations.
On the ATP and WTA Tours, eligible players are generally prioritised according to their ranking, although the exact procedures are governed by the official tour rules and can vary depending on the event.
If multiple players withdraw, more than one lucky loser may enter the main draw.
Why Do Lucky Losers Exist?
Professional tournaments aim to keep the main draw full.
Occasionally, a player withdraws after qualifying has finished because of:
- Injury
- Illness
- Personal reasons
- Scheduling issues
Rather than giving an opponent a bye, tournaments replace the withdrawn player with a lucky loser.
This keeps the draw balanced and ensures every first-round match is contested.
Does a Lucky Loser Receive Ranking Points?
Yes.
Once a lucky loser enters the main draw, they are treated exactly like every other competitor.
They earn:
- Ranking points
- Prize money
based on how far they progress in the tournament.
Their route into the event has no effect on their results once play begins.
Can a Lucky Loser Win a Tournament?
Yes.
Although uncommon, lucky losers have occasionally gone on to win ATP and WTA tournaments.
These runs are among the most remarkable stories in professional tennis because the player had technically already lost during qualifying before receiving another opportunity. Some famous winners include Coco Gauff in Linz 2019, Andrey Ruvlev in Umag 2017 and Soonwoo Kwon in Adelaide 2023.
Lucky Loser vs Qualifier
These two terms are often confused.
| Qualifier | Lucky Loser |
|---|---|
| Wins every qualifying match | Loses in the final qualifying round |
| Earns direct entry into the main draw | Enters after another player withdraws |
| Qualifies entirely through victories | Receives a second opportunity after qualifying ends |
Both players compete in the main draw, but they arrive there in different ways.
Lucky Loser vs Wild Card
These are completely different forms of entry.
| Lucky Loser | Wild Card |
|---|---|
| Must compete in qualifying | Does not need to qualify |
| Earns eligibility through results | Chosen by tournament organisers |
| Replaces a withdrawn player | Receives a direct invitation |
A lucky loser still has to earn the opportunity by reaching the final round of qualifying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lucky loser in tennis?
A lucky loser is a player who loses in the final round of qualifying but enters the main draw after another player withdraws before the tournament begins.
Can a lucky loser win a tournament?
Yes. Once in the main draw, lucky losers compete under exactly the same rules as every other player.
Does a lucky loser earn ranking points?
Yes. They receive ranking points and prize money according to how far they advance in the tournament.
What’s the difference between a qualifier and a lucky loser?
A qualifier wins all qualifying matches. A lucky loser loses in the final qualifying round but later enters the main draw because of a withdrawal.
Can there be more than one lucky loser?
Yes. If several players withdraw before the tournament begins, multiple lucky losers may enter the main draw.
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts
The lucky loser rule ensures that professional tennis tournaments can maintain a full draw even when late withdrawals occur. While the opportunity arises because of another player’s misfortune, players must first prove themselves by reaching the final round of qualifying before they become eligible.
Some of the sport’s most memorable underdog stories have begun with a lucky loser receiving an unexpected second chance—proof that in tennis, a tournament isn’t always over after a single defeat.
Continue Reading
- What Is a Qualifier in Tennis?
- What Is a Wild Card in Tennis?
- The ATP Tour Explained
- The WTA Tour Explained
- Tennis Ranking Points Explained
- Protected Ranking Explained
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