Ultimate Tennis Showdown: Patrick Mouratoglou plans to host live tennis tournament
Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of Serena Williams, has announced a planned Ultimate Tennis Showdown league which will stream live matches between players without spectators at his academy starting next month.
The brainchild of Mouratoglou and Alex Popyrin says it aims to create a new way to consume tennis in the absence of the WTA and ATP Tours, both suspended until at least mid-July because of coronavirus.
Fans worldwide will be able to interact with the players and listen to live conversations as on-court or video coaching will take place at the Mouratoglou Academy, located near the French Riviera.
French president Emmanuel Macron this week banned large public events in the country until July 11 but the league says it will abide by social distancing requirements to protect players and coaches, with minimal on-site staff.
Ten matches are scheduled to be held every weekend for five weeks, starting from May 16.
“The UTS is simply meant to be an alternative to what already exists,” Mouratoglou said.
“It is a platform created to showcase the incredible talent, athleticism and personalities of the wide range of tennis players.
“It offers a new and innovative approach, targeting a younger tennis audience and proposes a different way to distribute the money among the players.
“The UTS defines itself as a player-centric league, and therefore features a system focusing on the redistribution of income among the players. This system could be particularly beneficial for lower-ranked players.”
World No 10 David Goffin and Alexei Popyrin, the son of co-founder Alex, have been announced as the first match competitors.
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Australian Open2023 Australian Open men’s final info, form, H2H, what they said, preview: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Novak Djokovic
Get all the info ahead of the Australian Open men’s final.
-
Australian OpenWATCH: Emotional Novak Djokovic makes his point at press conference
Novak Djokovic admitted he has been shaken by the storm around his father after pro-Russian flag photo.
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic hopes to draw a line under Russian flag controversy
Novak Djokovic has released a statement clarifying the family position.
-
Australian OpenAryna Sabalenka in control of her own Australian Open destiny: ‘I’m my psychologist’
Aryna Sabalenka will take on Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the final.
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic stays in hunt for La Decima at Australian Open despite meltdown, tantrum, unforced errors galore
Novak Djokovic one Australian Open win away from La Decima.
-
NewsAlfie Hewett and Gordon Reid do it again as they win fourth Australian Open title in a row
The pair were dominant in victory over Dutch duo Maikel Scheffers and Ruben Spaargaren.
-
Australian OpenVictoria Azarenka snaps back at questions over Novak Djokovic’s dad: ‘You can spin the story however you want’
Victoria Azarenka unimpressed about line of questioning.
-
Tennis NewsStefanos Tsitsipas on being within touching distance of No 1 spot: ‘I like that number. It’s all about you’
Stefanos Tsitsipas one win away from a maiden Grand Slam title and the No 1 ranking.
-
Australian OpenStefanos Tsitsipas into first Australian Open final after overcoming wobble and Karen Khachanov
The Greek will bid for a first Grand Slam title on Sunday.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal gives fitness and comeback update following latest injury setback
Rafael Nadal to miss Dubai event while there are doubts over his participation in Sunshine Double.