Q identifies a qualifier; LL identifies a lucky loser. A qualifier earns a main-draw place through qualifying. A lucky loser loses in qualifying and subsequently fills a main-draw vacancy under the replacement rules. Sections 7.13 and 7.20 of the 2026 ATP Rulebook describe those routes. The procedures below concern ATP Tour singles.
Qualifying is divided into sections corresponding to the available main-draw places, with each section’s winner advancing. If the main draw is made before qualifying ends, it contains qualifier positions first. The successful qualifiers are then drawn into those positions after qualifying finishes. A Q without a name therefore marks a place awaiting its qualifier. Nishesh Basavareddy’s 6-4, 7-5 win over Aziz Dougaz in the Brussels qualifying final on October 18, 2026 is a current example of earning entry through that competition.
For a withdrawal, the first question is whether qualifying has started. After the main draw is made but before the first ball of qualifying, a vacancy follows the procedure involving the next player on the original acceptance list. Once qualifying has started, ATP Tour main-draw vacancies are filled by eligible lucky losers. The timing changes the relevant pool of replacements.
Players losing in the final qualifying round take priority. Earlier-round losers enter the order behind them if more lucky losers are required. The relevant ranking is the ATP ranking used to seed qualifying. With no vacancy when qualifying finishes, the lucky-loser order follows that ranking. With one vacancy, the two highest-ranked candidates are drawn for order. With two or more vacancies, the draw includes one more candidate than the number of vacancies.
There is also a daily procedure. Candidates must sign the lucky-loser list at least thirty minutes before the day’s first scheduled match; the Supervisor can adjust the deadline for rain or other disruption. A replacement must be inserted before the withdrawing player strikes the first ball of his first match. A player already awarded a walkover counts as having played a match for this rule.
A rematch can follow. Dubai’s account of the 2025 event describes Luca Nardi losing to Marton Fucsovics in qualifying, then receiving a lucky-loser place after Jack Draper withdrew. Nardi faced Fucsovics again in the first round and this time won in three sets. A further win over Zizou Bergs took him to the quarterfinals. The qualifying defeat and main-draw wins coexist in that tournament record.
When reading the next draw, first follow the qualifying results. For an LL entry, add the vacancy’s timing and the updated list. An unnamed Q while qualifying continues, a confirmed qualifier, and an eligible lucky loser entering after daily sign-in represent different stages. Following that sequence connects the entry code to the player’s actual matches.
