Excitement Builds At Bastide Medical UTS Nîmes Tournament

The Arènes de Nîmes came alive this weekend as they hosted the Bastide Medical UTS Nîmes, an innovative tennis tournament that showcases a fresh format of the sport. Taking place on April 4 and 5, 2025, this event marks the first time the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) has been held in France, and it has attracted a crowd of over 12,000 fans each day.

Eight top-tier players graced the clay courts, including French stars Ugo Humbert and Gaël Monfils, alongside international competitors like Andrey Rublev, Ben Shelton, Alex De Minaur, Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, and Tomas Machac. The UTS format, which divides matches into four quarters instead of traditional sets, aims to make tennis more engaging and fast-paced, appealing to a younger audience.

Jérémy Chardy, a former top 30 player and now the sports manager for UTS, expressed his excitement about bringing the tournament to Nîmes. "It was a dream! I have visited Nîmes several times and love this place. It was my goal to mix the historical aspect with the new concept of tennis that UTS represents," he shared. Chardy, who had envisioned Nîmes as the first city to host the UTS three years ago, was thrilled to see his vision come to fruition.

After nearly ten days of preparation, which included constructing a clay court and player facilities, the event kicked off with a buzz of anticipation. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the ancient arena, which has a history of hosting various events for nearly 2,000 years. Chardy recalled his first experience at the arena, saying, "When the arena is full, it’s truly beautiful, there’s a wonderful atmosphere, it’s festive, and that’s exactly what we want for UTS." He played a crucial role in connecting the event's sponsor, Vincent Bastide, with tournament creator Patrick Mouratoglou, helping to bring this unique event to life.

The first quarter-final match of the tournament featured the powerful Andrey Rublev against Ben Shelton. Rublev showcased his skills, winning the match decisively with a score of 18-11, 20-7, 11-14, 19-7, and securing his place in the semi-finals. The match was met with roaring support from the crowd, as 8,000 fans cheered on the players. Rublev, who has recently benefited from coaching by Marat Safin, noted, "It’s one of the highlights of my life to play in the Arena de Nîmes."

Despite a slow start, Rublev found his rhythm and executed a strategic game plan, using a serve-and-volley approach that caught Shelton off guard. Shelton remarked on the challenge, stating, "He played his best attacking tennis and didn’t miss too much. It was a difficult opponent out there, but I had a lot of fun playing in this stadium."

As the tournament unfolds, the excitement continues to build. Chardy emphasized the importance of the UTS in revitalizing tennis for younger audiences. "We created UTS to attract a much younger audience," he explained. The simplified rules and fast-paced matches are designed to keep fans engaged and entertained. Chardy believes that while traditional tennis will always have its place, adaptations are necessary to keep the sport relevant. "I think in the future, tennis needs to be a bit more fun. The average age of tennis fans is getting higher, so we want to attract more young people," he said.

Looking ahead, Chardy expressed hopes for the UTS to return to Nîmes in the future, contingent on the success of this inaugural event. "Since the beginning, the idea has been to come back. We want to have a stage in France. There will only be one, but we truly hope to return if everything goes well. The public has responded positively, and ticket sales have been strong. The arena will be full, and the players are thrilled to be here, especially with Monte Carlo around the corner," he added.

The UTS Nîmes has not only brought top-level tennis to a historic venue but also aims to redefine how the sport is perceived and enjoyed. As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and a showcase of exceptional talent. The semi-finals promise to be just as exciting, with Rublev awaiting the winner of the match between Alexei Popyrin and Casper Ruud.

With its unique format and vibrant atmosphere, the Bastide Medical UTS Nîmes is set to be a landmark event in the world of tennis, blending history with modernity in a way that captivates both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. As the players prepare for their next matches, one thing is clear: the future of tennis is being shaped right here in the Arènes de Nîmes.