The Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) is gearing up for its final event of 2024, scheduled in London from December 6th to 8th, with Holger Rune and Andrey Rublev set to participate.
Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption in 2020, UTS is a unique tennis exhibition that operates outside the ATP Tour. Matteo Berrettini claimed victory in the inaugural edition.
Fans and players alike are drawn to UTS for its distinct format: matches are split into timed quarters, with only 15 seconds allowed between points .
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| dk Holger Rune | 21 | 2,540 | 22 - 12 |
Unique Format and Player Participation:
In each set, players can call one coaching timeout. Although the ITF plans to allow off-court coaching by 2025, it still won’t mirror UTS entirely. So far this year, three UTS events have been hosted. Rublev had a dramatic moment at the Paris Masters but managed to win in Oslo; Monfils triumphed in New York.
Ben Shelton delivered an impressive comeback against Ugo Humbert to clinch victory at October’s Frankfurt event. Despite competition from Saudi Arabia’s Six Kings Slam exhibition, fans believe London’s final showdown might be even more thrilling.
Rune will make his twelfth appearance at a UTS event after losing to Alexander Zverev at the Paris Masters semifinals. He withdrew from Moselle Open afterward and last finished as runner-up in London against Jack Draper in 2023.
Though Rune performed well recently, Boris Becker agreed with Jim Courier’s criticism of his immature game style. Working again with Lars Christensen next season, Rune aims to silence critics.
Casper Ruud has also committed to playing at this year’s final UTS while competing fiercely for ATP Finals qualification during off-season exhibitions against Rune.
Rublev and Alex de Minaur join Ruud in their quest for ATP Finals spots while confirming participation at December’s showdown; Rublev plays Moselle Open this week while de Minaur competes at Belgrade Open instead.
Monfils returns too—always entertaining—having won New York’s edition earlier on! Alongside him are Humbert; Denis Shapovalov; Thanasi Kokkinakis; Alexander Bublik—all confirmed attendees eagerly awaited by fans worldwide!
What do you think about these exciting matchups?
