December, on the tennis calendar, is a month for exhibition matches and relaxation.
In fact, on the latter front, it’s really the only month where players actually get afforded the time to rest, as the schedule is completely empty. Any matches they play are organised by themselves, rather than being forced upon them by the ATP and WTA.
So, those who do feature either do so for an extra payday or because they are genuinely keen to keep competing.
With the UTS tennis tournament, it really does feel like those who feature are there because they are interested in the format.
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Everyone involved has bought in wholeheartedly to this new, unique setup that changes the sport in ways seldom seen before.
Even Greg Rusedski, who appeared to be watching the event from courtside last night, admitted he was left surprised by it.
Greg Rusedski delivers his honest verdict on the UTS London event
The former British number one took to X to express his shock at the competition, with the final having been hosted in London.
It was disappointing to see Jack Draper pull out of the UTS though, given it would have marked his return to tennis after a lengthy lay-off in his home country.
Regardless, the night belonged to Alex de Minaur, who stormed to the title.
Having watched the Australian, Rusedski attached a video of a remarkable point, accompanied by the caption: “Being live @uts_tour_ has surprised me how well the concept has worked with tennis in a shorter format. More cardio, quicker points, less time, tactically different .@alexdeminaur around the net-post”.
The UTS format could be the future of tennis
Rusedski is just one of many who have been left surprised by just how seamlessly this unique UTS format actually seems to work, despite the myriad of changes it has made to the sport.
Chief among them are the courts, which are created solely for singles play. There are no tram lines, but instead a sleek, minimal surface with a net that allows for incredible shots played around it, like the one in the aforementioned video.
However, inarguably, the biggest difference from standard tennis is the scoring system.
At UTS, matches are played over four eight-minute quarters and both players only get one serve. Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka have borrowed slightly from this format for their Battle of the Sexes clash too.
It brings together a brand-new audience for a sport often lambasted for its inaccessibility and uptightness, with loud, young crowds piling in to watch this event.
What do you really think about tennis exhibitions?
Perhaps, it might just be the catalyst that brings tennis into a new era.
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