AITA Selection Policy for Indian Masters Teams
World Tennis Masters Team Championships
1. Objective
The purpose of this policy is to establish a transparent, objective and merit-based process for the selection of Indian Masters Teams to represent India at the World Tennis Masters Team Championships.
The World Tennis Masters Tour provides team and individual competition across five-year age categories, with the World Championships being the pinnacle of the Masters Tour.
2. Applicable Age Categories
Indian Masters Teams shall be selected for the following World Tennis Masters Team Championship age categories, as applicable to the competitions conducted by the World Tennis:
- 30+ and 35+ Age Groups
- 40+ and 45+ Age Groups
- 50+ and 55+ Age Groups
- 60+ , 65+ and 70+ Age Groups
- 75+ and 80+ Age Groups
Selection shall be made separately for each age category in which India is participating.
3. Team Composition
For each age category, the Indian Team shall comprise:
- Four (4) Main Players
- One (1) Reserve Player
The Reserve Player shall be nominated as an alternate to the selected team and may replace any selected player who is unable to participate.
4. Basis of Selection
The selection of players shall be based on the latest World Tennis Masters Ranking available at the time of the selection process.
For the purpose of selection, both the player's Singles Ranking Points and Doubles Ranking Points shall be taken into consideration.
The selection score shall be calculated as follows:
Combined World Tennis Masters Points = Singles Ranking Points + Doubles Ranking Points
The players shall then be ranked in descending order according to their combined points.
The top four eligible players in each applicable age category shall be selected as the main members of the Indian Team.
The player ranked immediately below the four selected players shall be nominated as the Reserve Player.
5. Ranking Cut-Off Date
The ranking to be considered for selection shall be the latest official World Tennis Masters Ranking available on the date determined by AITA for the selection process.
Once the ranking cut-off date has been established for a particular World Tenis Masters Team Championship, subsequent changes to the World Tennis Masters Ranking shall not affect the selection, unless specifically approved by AITA.
6. Eligibility
A player shall be considered for selection only if the player:
- Meets the applicable World Tennis age and eligibility requirements for the relevant World Tennis Masters Team Championship;
- Is eligible to represent India under the applicable World Tennis regulations;
- Holds a valid Indian Passport;
- Is able to participate for the entire duration of the team championship; and
- Meets all other requirements prescribed by the World Tennis and AITA.
7. Selection of the Four Main Players
The four players with the highest combined Singles and Doubles World Tennis Masters Ranking points in the relevant age category shall ordinarily be selected as the main team members.
The selection shall be made independently for each age category.
For example:
Player's Combined Points = WT Singles Points + WT Doubles Points
Players shall be placed in order from the highest to the lowest combined points, and the top four eligible players shall constitute the Indian Team.
8. Selection of Reserve Player
The player ranked fifth on the basis of the combined Singles and Doubles WT Masters Ranking points shall be nominated as the Reserve Player.
The Reserve Player shall remain available to join the team if any selected player:
- Withdraws;
- Becomes injured or medically unfit;
- Becomes unavailable for any reason;
- Is unable to obtain the necessary travel documentation;
- Becomes ineligible under WT regulations; or
- Is otherwise unable to participate in the World Team Championships.
If the fifth-ranked player is unavailable, the next eligible player in the combined ranking order may be considered.
9. Tie in Combined Ranking Points
In the event that two or more players have the same combined ranking points, the following criteria shall be applied successively:
- Higher WT Singles Ranking Points;
- Higher WT Doubles Ranking Points;
- Higher position in the latest official WT Singles Ranking;
- Higher position in the latest official WT Doubles Ranking.
If the tie remains unresolved after applying the above criteria, the matter shall be referred to the competent AITA Masters Committee for a final decision.
10. Committee Approval
The proposed team for each age category shall be placed before the AITA Masters Committee for consideration and approval.
The Committee shall verify the ranking information, eligibility of the players and availability of the selected players before finalising the team.
In exceptional circumstances, where a player is unable to participate despite being selected on the basis of ranking, the Committee may nominate a replacement in accordance with this policy.
Any departure from the ranking-based selection order shall be appropriately recorded and approved by the Committee.
11. Player Availability and Commitment
Players selected to represent India shall provide confirmation of their availability within the timeline specified by AITA.
A selected player who withdraws without a valid reason after confirming participation may be subject to consideration for future national team selections, as determined by AITA.
12. Replacement of Selected Players
In the event of a withdrawal or unavailability of any of the four selected players, the Reserve Player shall ordinarily replace the player.
If the Reserve Player is also unavailable, AITA may select the next eligible player according to the applicable WT Masters Ranking and the principles established under this policy.
13. Final Authority
The AITA Masters Committee shall have the final authority regarding the interpretation and implementation of this policy.
Any matter not specifically covered under this policy shall be decided by the Committee in the best interests of Indian Masters Tennis and India's representation at the ITF World Team Championships.
All India Tennis Association (AITA)
Masters & Wheelchair Committee
