Wimbledon 2026: What is a 'lucky loser'?

· 2 min read

The selection process depends on when the withdrawing player pulls out of the tournament:

  • One withdrawal once qualification is complete: highest-ranked player who was eliminated in final qualifying round is selected

  • Subsequent withdrawals once qualification is complete: highest-ranked players who were eliminated in final qualifying round are selected in descending order of ranking

  • One withdrawal before qualification is complete: two highest-ranked players in final qualifying round are entered into random draw

  • Two or more withdrawals before qualification is complete: three or more highest-ranked players in final qualifying round are entered into random draw

Players who are registered on the lucky loser list must be signed in and on-site ready to play in the event of a withdrawal in the first round.

The list is posted each day at least one hour before the sign-in deadline, which is itself half an hour hour before the first scheduled match of the day.

In the rare event of there being more player withdrawals than players available who reached the final qualifying round to replace them, the selection moves on to the highest-ranked players in the penultimate qualifying round.

The random draw policy around withdrawals before qualification has concluded was introduced in 2006 to prevent ethical issues arising.

Previously, it was possible for high-ranking players, who knew they had lucky loser status secured, to deliberately lose in final qualifying rounds in order to help another lower-ranking player progress.

It also meant the system was open to manipulation, such as a 2005 incident during Wimbledon qualifying in which American Justin Gimelstob was advised to still play Switzerland's George Bastl in the final qualification round despite a back injury.

Gimelstob was advised by officials that he would be guaranteed lucky loser status if he still played and lost, and that it was highly likely there would be at least one withdrawal before the start of Wimbledon, giving time for his injury to heal.

The new random draw policy between the two highest-ranking players would have removed his guarantee of selection.