How does the computer rank players?
STAR is a mathematical algorithm that measures a player’s performance based on the performance of their opponents. STAR differs from a “points system” (such as the one used by the ATP and by USTA New England for junior players), which focuses on the tournament and the round in which a match was played. STAR calculations are based only upon WHO you have played in a specific division of play, and not where or in what round you met the opponent. Ranking lists are simply orderings of rank values, so remember that differences between ranking spots are not uniform. The rank values of the players ranked #4 and #5 could be 399 and 398, respectively, or they could be 399 and 200, respectively. The rank values of #1 and #10 can differ by as little as 10 points, or 100 points. In certain situations, “big wins” or “big losses” may have little impact due to the small difference in the players’ rank values.
