When I first heard that the Texas Masters was planning on using the compass draw format for 2022, I was simultaneously delighted and also profoundly sad. I am happy because the decision provides a very real example that illustrates ranking point inequities between two specific draw formats. However, the bracketed play will have competitive engagement consequences. In any case, it is the perfect time to explore why designating the brackets as Feed in Consolation through the Quarters (FICQ) may have been a better option for the tournament this year.
The choice of the word “designating” was intentional. For an 8 competitor bracket, there is absolutely no difference between the matches that are competed between the compass format versus FICQ played out through all 8 final positions. In other words, the only difference is the type of draw declared when it was constructed. This gives us a true “apples to apples” comparison between these two formats.
The following table summarizes the ranking points that are awarded in an 8 position compass and FICQ draw for a Level 4 tournament. Once again, these brackets produce identical matchplay for the entire event.
| Order of Finish | Compass Draw | FICQ Draw |
| 1 | 1500 | 1500 |
| 2 | 1050 | 1050 |
| 3 | 900 | 900 |
| 4 | 750 | 750 |
| 5 | 120 | 600 |
| 6 | 60 | 525 |
| 7 | 60 | 450 |
| 8 | 0 | 0 |
In either format, the players that win their first main draw matches are guaranteed a top 4 finish. In fact, the points allocated to the top 4 finishers in this scenario are identical. However, the back draw points drop off precipitously between 4th and 5th place in the compass format. Essentially, the first round matches are all worth 750 points. From then on, wins in the front draw are worth an additional 150 points with the exception of the Finals which is worth 450. It’s a lot of points, as it should be for a Level 4 tournament.
The back draw is a completely different story. Each consolation match is worth a paltry 60 points. Additionally, byes can further reduce the opportunity to garner those points in the back draw. Players who have qualified for the Texas Masters are likely to quickly arrive at the conclusion that those matches aren’t worth playing. There simply isn’t enough incentive.
This highlights the reason why I am profoundly sad that the traditional two-stage round robin format has been abandoned for this year. In the traditional Texas Masters format, every single match matters. A player who loses their first match has not been mathematically eliminated from winning the pool with a little help via outcomes of other matches.
Additionally, if a player that loses their first match wins out, they are still likely to finish second in the pool to garner 3rd/4th place points overall. Even two winless players in the last stage of the initial round robin are competing for significant rankings points. That is why the atmosphere at the Texas Masters has been consistently electric in years past.
The compass decision places the tournament on a slippery slope that may ultimately negatively impact player engagement with the Texas Masters. I believe that withdrawals and walkovers, phenomenons that were reserved for legitimate injuries under the traditional Master’s format, will become increasingly common in the back draw. Even in the front draw, a player could win their first round match, default out and still receive 4th place points.
I also think that some players may withdraw from the tournament rather than travel to play a first round opponent that they believe they cannot beat. A “bad draw” is very impactful in bracketed play in general.
A large part of the magic of the Texas Masters is that the traditional format guaranteed that every single match mattered. Under the compass format, the front draw will certainly be hotly contested. However, since the format eliminates half the field in the first round, the back draw is insignificant.
That is why I am profoundly sad to see the Texas Masters go with the compass draw this year. It simply won’t be the same.
- USTA Adult and Family Tournament, Ranking, & Sanctioning Regulations, USTA Web Site, last viewed September 20, 2022.
- Level 4 Closed: Simply the BEST – 2022 Austin Subaru Texas Adult Masters Championships, Capatal Area Tennis Association Website, viewed September 26, 2022.
- USTA Adult Tournaments Ranking System, USTA Resource, as of February 1, 2022, downloaded September 30, 2022.
I am very sad to see this, I had not realized. The prior format is what always made the masters so competitive and fun. Last year at the 40+ 4.0 women’s , a team that lost their first round went on to make it to the finals. I guess that won’t be the case this year. 😕
While it has been announced that the 18+ and Open Masters will use the compass draw, I have not seen a similar announcement for the 40+ and 55+ events. I actually have no idea what is planned for the older divisions.