The alternates list is the official waiting list for a tennis tournament. When the main entry list is full, the remaining players are ranked by their standing on this list. If a player from the main draw withdraws, the first person on the alternates list takes their place.
These players often travel to the tournament site just in case a spot opens up at the last minute. It is a stressful position because you never know for sure if you will get to play. For example, a player is ‘third alternate,’ meaning they need three people to quit before they can join the event. They might spend all day at the courts hoping for a chance to compete. If no one withdraws, they do not play and do not earn any prize money or points.
This system ensures that every tournament has a full field of players regardless of late injuries. It is a common situation for players ranked just outside the direct entry cutoff. Persistence on this list is often how lower-ranked players get their big break.
Discover more from PlayTerms | Simple Sports Terms & Definitions.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.