What Does ‘Seeded’ Mean in Tennis?

A seeded player is one of the top-ranked entrants, placed strategically in the draw so they don’t face other top players too early.

Seeding keeps the tournament balanced — it helps save the drama for the later rounds of the tournament.

1. How It Works
Seeds are assigned based on ATP or WTA rankings, typically using the standings from the week before the tournament starts. The higher the ranking, the higher the seed. No. 1 and No. 2 are placed on opposite sides of the draw — so they can only meet in the final.

2. Why It Matters
Seeding protects the top players in the early rounds and gives structure to the tournament. It also shapes expectations — when a seed loses early, it’s an upset. When they meet late? It’s fireworks.

👂 Where You’ll Hear It

“She upset the No. 4 seed in the second round.”
Translation: She beat someone who was expected to go deep. Big deal.

“Only one seeded player made the quarterfinals.”
Translation: The favorites flamed out early. Total chaos.

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