“We need to renew our fan base,” Patrick Mouratoglou agrees with Frances Tiafoe, proposes revamped tennis format

Mouratoglou and Tiafoe are advocating for a more entertaining tennis format to rope in younger fans

“We need to renew our fan base,” Patrick Mouratoglou agrees with Frances Tiafoe, proposes revamped tennis format

Reinvention in the sport has been on a few accountable minds of tennis stars. Frances Tiafoe has proposed a more entertaining and basketball-like reformation, potentially bringing in younger fans. Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams‘ ex-coach, has also shown support for the American’s vision for the future of the sport.

With the waning popularity of tennis among the youth, Mouratoglou seeks a more unique format to incite potential fans. The coach sympathizes with Tiafoe and explains the need for a more exciting form of sport. The concrete rules need to be changed and embrace diversity to give way to a new audience.

YouTube video

In the video, Mouratoglou stated, “Tennis is a very traditional sport with a lot of history and with fans that are very conservative and traditional and they want tennis to stay the way it is.” The Frenchman thinks that in order to attract younger supporters, reformation is required. The Ultimate Tennis Showdown, also known as UTS, will return later this summer from July 20-23.

FS Video

The tweaked tennis tournament launched in 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, aims to make the viewers’ experience more intimate and entertaining. Tiafoe has expressed the need for a more interactive and lively audience, similar to NBA matches. Mouratoglou also stated that Tiafoe’s age and background bring forth a new perspective on the changing culture and trend of the sport.

“The young generation is not following the tour, is not watching matches,” Mouratoglou says. The deteriorating interest among the masses urges a better proposition. Thus, according to Mouratoglou, the UTS appeals to the younger generation. However, the coach faced staunch opposition from fans when he tweeted in support of Tiafoe.

Also read: Jessica Pegula ‘uses’ Frances Tiafoe to announce her new deal with Stella Artois

What is the Ultimate Tennis Showdown?

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The Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) is a reinvented version of tennis, which sways away from traditional rules. Launched in 2020, the tournament doesn’t compete with ATP and WTA Tour but offers a new set of regulations. For instance, no player is bound to the code of conduct. Matches are divided into quarters instead of sets, where players alternately serve after two points.

Additionally, players are equipped with special UTS cards. Participants have the option of selecting a card that awards three points for wins and one that makes their opponents serve and volley. Moreover, there is a “steal serve” card that enables a player to serve four consecutive points. The UTS returns for the fourth year running in June.

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