The Ultimate Tennis Showdown

Tennis
Equipment RentalGravity Media Production Pods
GlobalFrance

The Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) is a groundbreaking tennis league created by Patrick Mouratoglou, the well-known coach of tennis star Serena Williams, and mentor of promising players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Coco Gauff, Alexei Popyrin, and Holger Rune. 

The league’s first showdown series event (UTS1) will feature 10 of the world’s best and most spectacular players, including Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo Berrettini, David Goffin, Feliciano Lopez, Alexei Popyrin, Benoit Paire, Lucas Pouille, Richard Gasquet, and Dustin Brown. The goal? Win UTS’ prestigious crown. 

UTS1 is taking place over five weekend from 13 June to 12 July 2020, at the Mouratoglou Academy, on the French Rivera. The showdowns will be livestreamed on the UTS Live platform for five consecutive weekends, accounting for a total of 50 showdowns. Selected matches will also be broadcasted around the world for millions of fans to enjoy. 

UTS has said that it will adopt a unique and innovative format, that will mostly consist of fast-paced matches and a lightened code of conduct. Even though UTS is a no-spectator league, it will put its fan at the centre of the action in order to trigger heightened emotions and present tennis in a way that’s never even been thought of before. UTS is looking to take a step back from the traditional tennis experience and engage fans in an entirely different way. UTS will not present just tennis match, it will present showdowns. 

Adapted for younger generations, UTS will create a virtual show inspired by esports. Through its new engaging and interactive format, fans will inevitably feel closer and better connected to the tennis stars. Viewers will be able to hear conversations between the players and their coaches, as on-court and video coaching will be allowed. With a lightened code of conduct, and a more laid-back and playful atmosphere, players are expected to carry themselves more freely on-court and show their true personalities. UTS will profile players in a completely new way, with a focus on behind-the-scenes and storytelling. Although there will be a stronger emphasis on entertainment, UTS remains a serious competition, not an exhibition. 

Along with our partners Events In & Out and Girraphic (providing the on-screen graphics) and , Gravity Media is providing a turn key solution that includes years of production and technical experience of Tennis broadcasting. Gravity Media team consists around 25 people, including all the editorial crew (cameramen, EVS, director, floor manager) and all technical crew. Gravity Media has also provided a full range of equipment, including 19 cameras with a mixture of broadcast cameras and PTZ, to capture the event. The sound design is at its maximum, with the addition of external sound in the mix (such as audience applause) to create a specific atmosphere. And all of this whilst following strict social distancing guidelines.

The Ultimate Tennis Showdown is being shown through live streaming on UTS live, and broadcast on Eurosport, Claro Tennis and the Tennis Channel.