Guidelines

Introduction

The Miami Racket Club Player Challenge is an exclusive singles ladder designed to bring together Miami’s tennis and business communities through elevated competition, curated experiences, and premium rewards.

The Summer Challenge Season will run from July 1 - Sep 30; one of the four Challenges we'll hold in the next twelve months. This season will include up to 16 players in each of four divisions: USTA 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 - 4.99 and Open level. The top four players from each division will play in a final four at the end of the season. Each division's champion will qualify to play for the annual title held next Summer. There will be surprise invitations throughout the season to exclusive events, along with prizes from local and national partners including Wilson, Dunlop, Tennis Warehouse, LMNT, Miami Slice and others. Every season kicks off with a Player Happy Hour, where players will receive their exclusive Player Bag and get the chance to meet other players.

The basis of the Challenge is built upon points earned and lost, which will be determined by i) the points differential between you and your opponent at the start of the match ii) game win percentage and iii) recency and frequency of play.

See below for all rules, formats, prizes, and the tournament schedule. Click here to submit your details for consideration for the Summer Challenge Season.

Details

Seasons & Final Four Tournament Dates

Season Date Begins Date Ends Tournament Date
Spring 2025 May 5 June 30 July 13
Summer 2025 July 1 Sep 30 Oct 5
Fall 2025 Oct 1 Dec 7 Dec 14
Winter 2026 Jan 1 Mar 31 Apr 12

Divisions

Division Challenge Points USTA / NTRP Equivalent Bracket Min & Max # of Players
(A) Open 800+ 5.0+ 8 | 20
(B) Advanced 600 - 799 4.0 - 4.99 8 | 20
(C) Intermediate 500 - 599 3.5 - 3.99 8 | 20
(D) Beginner 400 - 499 3.0 - 3.49 8 | 20

Rules

How to Join

  • Request an invitation to join by clicking here and filling in your info. Final invitations are extended based on fit and availability.
  • It's important to rate yourself as realistically as possible. Yes, MRC Admins reserve the right to adjust a player's bracket mid-season
  • If accepted, you will be prompted to pay for the upcoming Season
  • Upon payment, you can register for the Season on the Player Challenge site and begin playing matches

General Format

  • Matches are flexible — players schedule mutually agreed time/location
  • USTA format: Best of 3 sets with ads; 3rd set is a 10-point tiebreak unless both agree to a full third set
  • If a match is interrupted (e.g. weather), resume from same score on a new day
  • In the case of a no-show, the match will be recorded as a 6-0 6-0 loss, with the defaulting player recording 0 points.
  • If a player retires mid match (ie injury, illness, or other), the match is recorded at the actual score at the time of retirement, and the retiring player loses.
    • If Player A is winning 6-4 2-3 at the point of retiring, the match will be recorded with that score and as a loss for Player A.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct and disrespect to your opponent will not be tolerated. Contact MRC Admins if there has been an incident. May result in a non-refunded removal from the current and future Seasons
  • Players must be at least 18 years old

Match Eligibility and Points System

  • You can play any player in any division at any time.
  • Keep in mind that points are more easily earned by playing opponents closer to your level. You may even earn points by losing a tight match against a better opponent!
  • Brackets are re-evaluated only at season's end, at which points players will be moved up or down for the following season's bracket
  • Yes you can play the same player multiple times and earn or lose points accordingly

Match Submission

  • Winning player must submit the match via "Submit a Match" form. For matches won by super tie break, enter the score as 7-6
  • Points update daily by the next morning
  • What happens if a player plays on Tue and Wed, but doesnt report the scores until Thur and therefore started Wed's match without accurate points?
  • You will have the opportunity to rate your opponent post-match (punctuality, ease of coordination, sportsmanship) — this data is private and reviewed only by MRC admins

End of Season Tournament

  • The top four players from each division will be:
    • Compete in a one day day, single elimination, pro set format (first to 8 games, win by two). Summer Challenge Season tournament will be on Oct 5.
    • Invited to an exclusive dinner after the season and prior to the tournament.
    • If there is a tie in points within the top four players, their head to head record will act as a tiebreak. Next will be each player's season game win percentage.
  • Players must play at least 5 matches and have played at least 4 different opponents in order to qualify for the tournament or wildcard prizes.

Prizes

Division Champions:

  • Custom MRC Season Champion Hat
  • Custom MRC insulated water bottle (champion-only color way)
  • Choice of full case of either Wilson Extra Duty or Dunlop ATP balls
  • Invitation to join MRC
  • Qualifies for the annual final four tournament

Division Runner-Ups:

  • Custom MRC insulated water bottle
  • Choice of half case of either Wilson Extra Duty or Dunlop ATP balls
  • Invitation to join MRC

Wildcard Winners

Receive $50 gift cards to either Miami Slice, Navi coffee, Jholano's, or Racquet Magazine
  • Most Matches Played
  • Most Improved: The player who increased his/her points by the largest percentage
  • Standout: Highest game win %
  • Most Variety: the player who played the largest number of different opponents

Player Bags

Must attend season starting happy hour in order to receive:
  • Discount code to Tennis Warehouse: 30% off apparel and shoes (good for multiple purchases)
  • Reimbursement for first challenge match court rental ($12 max)
  • 1 sample box of LMNT
  • 1 sample box of AG1 with shaker bottle
  • 1 bottle of Bask sunscreen
  • 1 group personal training session with Complex PT
  • And more