You do not need a ranking but it helps to have a rating! A LTA rating is a measuring tool that indicates a standard of play, as well as allowing you to record your progress as you develop your game.
If you are a member of an LTA Registered Venue then you will be able to access a LTA rating for free through LTA Lite Membership.
If you are not a member of an LTA Registered Venue, you can join LTA Team Membership for just £30 a year to access a LTA rating and many more exclusive benefits!
Once you start playing tournaments you can earn points which will automatically give you a ranking.
Find out more about LTA Ratings & Rankings
If you play a tournament that is part of the ITF Seniors Circuit you will also be eligible for world ranking points within your age group.
Find out more about ITF Seniors Rankings
Rankings are also used to determine seedings in tournaments. Seeding is the process that aims to keep the highest level players in different sections of a draw so that they avoid each other in early rounds.
Find out more about Seniors Tennis Rankings