DUPR is offering players a risk-free way to recalculate their rating. Here's how it works, and whether you should sign up.
What Is the DUPR Reset?
DUPR is launching a Rating Reset Program running from March 16 to May 17, 2026. For the first time, players can wipe the slate clean and establish a new rating based purely on recent match results.
The twist? It's completely risk-free. After the reset period ends, your rating becomes whichever is higher: your new reset rating OR your original rating when you signed up.
How It Works
To qualify for a reset, you must:
- ✅ Play at least 8 matches during the reset period
- ✅ Compete with at least 2 different partners
- ✅ Register before or during the reset window
All match types count except self-reported matches. There's no maximum — play as many matches as you want.
The Pros: Why This Could Be Great
1. Addresses a Real Frustration
Many players feel their DUPR rating doesn't reflect their current skill. Maybe you:
- Started playing casually and logged a bunch of losses before getting serious
- Had a rough patch due to injury or equipment changes
- Play mostly with weaker partners who drag down your results
The reset gives these players a fresh start without the baggage of old matches.
2. Zero Downside Risk
This is the clever part. You can only go up from the reset — never down. If your new rating comes out lower than your original, you just keep the original. There's no penalty for trying.
3. Drives Club Participation
DUPR is positioning this as a club engagement tool. Clubs can promote the reset period to boost attendance at open play, leagues, and clinics. Players have a concrete reason to show up and compete during those two months.
4. Improves Rating Accuracy Over Time
If thousands of players reset and their new ratings better reflect their current abilities, the overall DUPR ecosystem becomes more accurate. Better ratings mean fairer tournament brackets and more competitive matches for everyone.
The Cons: Potential Problems
1. Gaming the System
The risk-free nature creates an obvious incentive: players can selectively play matches where they expect to perform well. Someone might:
- Only play weaker opponents during the reset period
- Avoid competitive matches that might hurt their new rating
- Cherry-pick partners to optimize results
Since there's no downside, why not try to game it?
2. The Fee Question
While DUPR's official communications don't emphasize fees, reports suggest clubs may charge to participate. That creates a two-tier system where players who pay get rating flexibility that others don't.
3. Temporary Rating Chaos
During the reset period, players' ratings become less reliable indicators. Someone with a 4.0 rating might be playing reset matches and actually performing at 4.5. Tournament directors and club organizers will have a harder time setting up balanced games.
4. Doesn't Fix the Core Issues
Many complaints about DUPR accuracy stem from:
- Partner variance in doubles affecting individual ratings
- Short-term fluctuations from a few bad matches
- Rec play counting the same as tournament play
The reset addresses symptoms, not causes. Players who reset might end up right back where they started after a few months of normal play.
5. Creates Pressure to Participate
If everyone at your club is doing the reset, there's social pressure to join in — especially if your rating is below where you think it should be. Some players just want to play without optimizing their rating.
Who Should Consider a Reset?
The reset makes sense if you:
- Haven't played seriously in a while and your rating reflects your old self
- Recently improved significantly through coaching or practice
- Had a rough start and logged losses when you were still learning
- Play at a club that's organizing reset events anyway
It probably doesn't make sense if you:
- Already have an accurate rating that reflects your current play
- Don't play 8+ matches in a typical two-month period
- Primarily play singles (you need 2+ different partners)
- Object to pay-to-reset models on principle
The Bottom Line
DUPR's reset program is a creative solution to rating frustration, and the risk-free structure removes the usual anxiety around trying something new. The fact that you can only go up — never down — makes it a no-brainer for players who feel underrated.
But it's not without issues. The potential for gaming, the social pressure to participate, and the temporary chaos during the reset period are real concerns. And for players whose ratings are already accurate, it's just noise.
If your rating bugs you and you play enough doubles to qualify, give it a shot. Worst case, nothing changes.
The DUPR Reset Period runs March 16 – May 17, 2026. Check with your local club for registration details.