DUPR Shakes Up Pickleball Rankings: The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system has updated its algorithm as of Tuesday. From now on, player ratings will be based on actual match performance rather than wins or losses. The update aims to make ratings more accurate and fair for all skill levels.
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Performance Over Results
The new system uses a “performance vs. expectation” method. Each match will have a predicted score based on player ratings. If a player or team does better than expected, their DUPR rating will rise—even if they lose the match. If they do worse than expected, their rating will drop—even if they win.
“Every match has an expected score, calculated from the ratings of the players involved. If you score more than expected, your DUPR rating will go up – even if you lose. If you score less, it will go down – even if you win. Whereas before, the winning team would always go up and the losing team would go down.”(DUPR announcement)
Examples from the Court
In doubles, if a team is expected to win 11–3 but ends up winning 11–8, their rating will still go down. That’s because they didn’t meet the expected performance. On the other hand, the losing team—who scored more than expected—will see their rating go up.
In singles, if a 3.5-rated player is expected to lose to a 4.0-rated player by a score of 5–11 but instead loses 9–11, they overperformed. Their DUPR rating will increase for performing better than expected.
What DUPR Says
DUPR officials believe the update improves how ratings are calculated. It gives players more accurate results and boosts the playing experience.
“Bottom line: every point counts. Whether you’re the underdog or the favorite, the algorithm rewards players who perform above expectations. Even if you lose, proving you can compete at a higher level will improve your DUPR rating.”(DUPR officials)
What This Means for Players
This update means players are now judged by how they play each point, not just by winning or losing. It encourages players to keep trying hard even in tough matches. As a result, the DUPR rating becomes a better reflection of real skill.
News in Brief: DUPR Shakes Up Pickleball Rankings
DUPR has updated its rating system to focus on performance instead of match results. Ratings will now rise or fall based on how well players perform compared to expectations. The change rewards effort and helps make rankings more accurate across all skill levels. Every point now matters.
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