Tournament format
Tournament format
The "Compass" format for a tennis tournament is designed to maximize match play and ensure that all participants get multiple opportunities to compete, regardless of whether they win or lose. Here's how it works:
Initial Round: Players start in the main draw, and after each match, winners move to the right (East), while losers are sent to another draw to the left (West).
Additional Directions: After subsequent rounds, losing players move into new draws, named after the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West). As the tournament progresses:
Winners from each direction continue advancing in their draw.
Players who lose again in the West draw might move into a Southwest or Northwest draw, and so on.
Multiple Matches: The format allows players to continue playing even if they lose their first, second, or even third match, ensuring everyone plays at least 3-4 matches.
Objective: It creates competitive balance by matching players with others of similar results in later rounds, so even after early losses, participants still have a chance to compete for a trophy in their bracket (e.g., North, South, East, West champions).
It's an inclusive, dynamic format that emphasizes match experience and fun for all levels of players.