How do -first round- tennis players reach grand openings like WTA?

Question

Do they just apply in, or do they suppose to have a very good rank in their own countries?

Answer 1

i believe it's done on world rankings - or at least most of the spots at big tournaments are reserved for ranked players.

some spaces are reserved for the tournament to 'invite' players to play - which is why connors was able to play at the us open well into his 30's and why guys like henman will always be playing at wimbledon.

they also reserve a certain number of spaces for 'qualifiers.'

qualifiers will play in a qualifying tournament, with the players advancing the furthest getting into the big tournament.

i'm not sure how you would be about trying to get into those qualifying tournaments though...

Answer 2

They enter tournaments which they are resposible for paying the entrance fees unless they have a sponsor or they are invited to play in a tournament. In order to get to the invitation point, they have to accumulate points by playing and ranking in tournaments. That is why the ratings system is so important. They do the same thing in golf. Sometimes, you can be invited to play in a tournament if you have won a major event, say the NCAA tournament or the USTA National Championships. I would suggest going to www.usta.com to get more information or check out Brad Gilbert's Book: Winning Ugly.