Metropolitan Tennis Group - GLTA World Tour

GLTA World Tour

What is the GLTA?

The Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ tennis organization, connecting more than 10,000 amateur players through tournaments and local communities around the globe. The GLTA was created to provide a welcoming, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ players and allies who love tennis.

Today, the GLTA organizes tournaments in dozens of cities each year as part of the GLTA World Tour, bringing players together for competition, community, and fun.

Metro Tennis Group (MTG) is a proud member organization of the GLTA, and many MTG players regularly compete in GLTA tournaments both locally and around the world.

What is a GLTA Tournament?

A GLTA tournament is a weekend amateur tennis event where players of all levels come together to compete in a friendly, inclusive environment. These tournaments combine competitive matches, social events, and community connection, making them about much more than just tennis.

🎾 The Tennis

Skill-Based Divisions – Players sign up in divisions based on skill level — Open, A, B, C, and D — so matches stay competitive and well-balanced.
Guaranteed Matches – Most tournaments use a round-robin format, which usually guarantees at least two matches (and often more) over the weekend.
Rankings & Points – Players earn ranking points for participation and results, which contribute to GLTA rankings and can help qualify you for the GLTA World Tour Championships.

🌈 The Community

Inclusive & Welcoming – GLTA tournaments are designed to be a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ players and allies. The competition can be serious, but the atmosphere is always friendly.
Global Network – Players travel from across the country — and often internationally — creating a truly global tennis community.

🎉 The Social Side

More Than Just Matches – Most tournaments include group dinners, happy hours, and social events, giving players plenty of chances to meet and connect off the court.
Hosted Housing – Some tournaments offer hosted housing, where local players host visiting participants — a fun way to save money and meet new people.

How to get started?

Anyone can register to play — LGBTQ+ players and allies are all welcome. Getting involved is easy.

1️⃣ Create Your Profile

Set up your GLTA player profile in the GLTA tournament system. This is where you’ll register for tournaments and track your results.

2️⃣ Choose Your Division

Players compete by skill level (Open, A, B, C, D) so matches stay fair and competitive.

3️⃣ Sign Up for a Tournament

Register for tournaments (from $150+) on GLTA Tournament site. Need a doubles partner? Many events can match you. See the GLTA Tournament Calendar for upcoming dates.

4️⃣ Play & Earn Points

GLTA tournaments are addictive! Earn ranking points, and the top 8 men and women in each division get invited to the World Tour Championships.

GLTA Tournament Rules

GLTA tournaments are all about fun, fairness, and respect. Players should know and follow the rules, while tournament directors ensure they’re applied correctly.

GLTA Tournament Rules (last update 2023)

Division Guidance

GLTA Division	USTA NTRP Rating	Description	USTA NTRP General Characteristics
Open	5.0+	Highly advanced players	Advanced competitive player with strong anticipation, full shot variety, and ability to regularly hit winners; serve has power, spin, and placement and can be a major weapon with reliable second serves.
A	4.5	Advanced players	Highly skilled player who varies pace and spin, controls depth, and builds points strategically; first serve is powerful and accurate, with a well-placed and dependable second serve.
B	3.5 - 4.0	High intermediate players	4.0 – Dependable strokes on both sides with the ability to control direction and depth and use volleys and overheads; serve is consistent with a reliable second serve and occasional ability to force errors. 3.5 – Consistent strokes with directional control on moderate shots but limited depth and variety; serve is fairly consistent but lacks significant power or advanced placement.
C	3.0	Low intermediate players	Moderately consistent rally player but limited control and comfort with all strokes; serve is developing and inconsistent when trying to add pace or placement.
D	<3.0	Beginning players	Beginner learning strokes and rallying basics; serve is basic with inconsistent toss and limited power or control.

Source: USTA NTRP General Characteristics; GLTA Divisions