The second edition of the UTS in Nîmes has started. Like last year, tennis lovers can enjoy a dream setting: the arenas. On the menu, a real competition, stars, and entertainment provided by the creator of the event, Patrick Mouratoglou.
“The Nîmes audience is extraordinary. The atmosphere last year was truly exceptional. The spectators participate in the show. Seeing a tennis court in the middle of these arenas is something unique. I believe it is the most beautiful tennis stadium that has ever existed. Some players have even told us that they chose to come this year after seeing the images from the previous edition – they absolutely wanted to play in this environment,” detailed the coach.
A strong lineup
This year, the clay gladiators include: Félix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik, Casper Ruud, Karen Khachanov, Andrey Rublev, Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Frenchman Ugo Humbert. A strong lineup, which comes with a desire to offer a different way of experiencing tennis – including through sudden death points. The UTS has a clear goal: to attract a new generation of fans. To appeal to the young audience, the format is shorter, more intense, with fewer breaks. “We need to look 30 years ahead,” specified Mouratoglou, who often refers to Formula 1 as a successful example of rejuvenating and feminizing its audience.
“My role is not to issue licenses – that’s the French Tennis Federation’s role. My goal is for people – whether in the stadium, on television, or on digital platforms – to discover or continue to love the UTS, and for our fan base, already younger than that of traditional tennis, to grow from tournament to tournament,” concluded the coach.
