DUPR Changes Scoring Algorithm, Switches to Performance vs Expectation Model

The DUPR has changed its rating algorithm.

As the rating of the sport, the DUPR is committed to constantly improving rating accuracy and player experience—and this update shows its continued focus on delivering that commitment.

This change, put simply, takes into account actual performance, not just whether you’ve won or lost. Translation: Every point counts!

What’s Changed?

With the DUPR’s change in algorithm, a player’s rating now moves to a performance vs. expectation model. Here, every match has an expected score, calculated from the ratings of the players involved.

‍Then, if you score more than expected, your DUPR rating will go up—even if you lose. If you score less, your score will go down—even if you win.

‍Before, the DUPR system always rewarded the winners. In short, the winning team’s rating would always go up and the losing team’s score would go down.

‍Doubles Example:

‍If a team is expected to win 11–3 but wins 11–8, their DUPR rating will go down because it means they performed below expectations as predetermined by the initial performance vs. expectation calculation. The losing team, which was expected to score fewer points, will go up as it means they performed above expectations.

Singles Example:

‍If you’re a 3.5 playing against a 4.0, the DUPR’s new algorithm expects the score to be 5-11. If you instead lose 9-11, you have overperformed expectations because you were projected to score only 5 points. As a result, you will see your rating go up. If you lose 4-11 (or with a score lower that 4), your rating will go down as well because you underperformed. Similarly, if you’re the one with the 4.0 rating and you win 11-9, your rating will take a hit because you were supposed to win by a wider margin.

DUPR’s New Rating System in a Nutshell

Overall, the DUPR’s adjusted rating system can be described as:

• Performance-based. Your rating now reflects how you perform relative to expectations—not whether you win or lose. Every point matters.
• More accurate. By going deeper into point-level performance, DUPR delivers a more precise measure of your current skill level.
• Fair for everyone.Every player has a chance to improve their rating by overperforming—whether you’re the favourite or the underdog.

Bottom line: Every point counts! Whether you’re the underdog or the favourite, 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. The new system also encourages higher-seeded players to keep playing at that high level to maintain or even improve their rating.

‍Click HERE to learn more about how your rating is calculated.