When a tournament draw is released, it may seem obvious which players are included. But behind every name is a structured system.
Entering a tournament is not based on invitations or chance – but on ranking, rules and defined pathways.
Every tournament is built around an entry list.
It is based on player rankings at a specific cut-off date, usually several weeks before the event.
This means:
Tournaments do not choose the field – the system does.
Players with a sufficiently high ranking enter directly into the main draw.
This is known as:
The number of direct entries depends on the size of the tournament, but ranking always determines who qualifies.
Players who are not ranked high enough can compete in the qualifying tournament.
Qualifying takes place before the main draw and is a knockout competition in itself.
Those who win:
For many players, qualifying is the most common pathway into top-level tournaments.
Each tournament has a limited number of wild cards.
These are places that organizers can award at their discretion, within the rules.
Wild cards are often given to:
This is the only part of the draw where the tournament has direct influence.
Sometimes a player withdraws after qualifying has been completed.
In that case, a “lucky loser” may enter the main draw.
This is a player who:
It is a unique opportunity – and not uncommon for these players to go far.
No matter how a player enters, the goal is the same: to perform.
Players can enter via:
Once the tournament starts, all players compete on equal terms.
At the Nordea Open, all these entry pathways are visible in practice.
The draw includes:
This creates a dynamic mix where established stars meet rising players – and where unexpected stories can unfold.
For fans, it is also an opportunity to see future stars before they reach the very top.
In the next part, we explore tournament levels – and what really separates an ATP 250 from a Masters 1000 or a Grand Slam.
