3 reasons why the UTS was a huge success for tennis

The UTS wrapped up its 5-week event with major success. Here are three reasons why the tournament was a huge success for tennis.

Matteo Berrettini emerged as the UTS’ inaugural champion on Sunday, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-2 in sudden death. It capped off five weeks of strange yet spectacular tennis with some of the ATP’s top talents. From young guns like Elliot Benchetrit and Corentin Moutet to top ten players like Tsitsipas and Dominic Thiem, the UTS had it all.

Many doubted that the event would have success after the new rules were announced. Crazy editions like the “UTS Cards” and the quarter system through fans (and players) for a loop. It seemed too out-of-line in comparison to the rules of tennis that are currently in place: best-of-5 sets, sets to 6 with a tiebreaker at 6-all, and games that require four points at a minimum to win.

Creator Patrick Mouratoglou thought differently. He believed it was time for tennis to take a step forward and attract the younger generation. He believed tennis was due for a change. A change that would give the player-fan interaction an entirely new meaning and bring a mass of new fans into the sport.

It was certainly a bold move. Surprisingly, however, it worked. The competing players loved it and the fans grew to support its wackiness in favor of a tennis experience like no other.

Here are three reasons why the Ultimate Tennis Showdown was a major success for the future of tennis.