What’s the Difference Between ATP and WTA?

If you’ve been wondering why some tournaments show up as ATP, others as WTA, and some with both — welcome to the alphabet soup of professional tennis.

1. What They Are

  • ATP = Association of Tennis Professionals
    This is the men’s professional tennis tour. It includes tournaments from ATP 250s up to the big-time Masters 1000s.

  • WTA = Women’s Tennis Association
    This is the women’s tour. Similar structure, different circuit. WTA 250s, 500s, 1000s — same format, same points system.

They’re completely separate organizations, with different CEOs, staff, policies, and player boards.

2. What’s the Difference?

  • Level of play: Same idea — top-ranked pros battling for titles and ranking points.

  • Scoring: Mostly the same, though best-of-five sets only happen in men’s Grand Slam singles matches.

  • Calendar: Some tournaments are ATP-only or WTA-only, but Slams and big events like Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid feature both.

👂 Where You’ll Hear It

“This week’s a WTA 1000 event.”
Translation: This is a high-level tournament for the women’s tour — just below a Grand Slam in terms of prestige and points.

“He’s chasing his first ATP title.”
Translation: He’s looking to win a tournament on the men’s tour. Could be a 250, 500, or 1000.

“It’s a joint event — both ATP and WTA.”
Translation: Men’s and women’s matches are happening at the same venue, often side-by-side. It’s a fan favorite setup.

📩 Enjoyed this? Subscribe to Love-Love Letter for two fun, 5-minute emails per week — zero jargon, zero pressure.