Where Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud and others are playing before Monte Carlo

Three ATP Tour events are taking place just ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters.

The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, Romanian Open, and Grand Prix Hassan II are all in progress.

But instead of taking part in these tournaments, several well-known players have opted for a non-ATP event this week. Felix Auger-Aliassime and others prepare for the UTS event in Nimes. Since Ultimate Tennis Showdown was co-founded by Patrick Mouratoglou in 2020, 15 events have been staged globally.

The 16th UTS event, and the first of the year, takes place this Friday and Saturday at the Arenes de Nimes in France. Eight top players are heading to France to put the finishing touches on their Monte Carlo build-up inside the unique amphitheatre setting.

This weekend’s lineup features Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev, both former Masters 1000 champions.

No other men’s event happening this week offers matchups with as much intrigue as this one. If you’re a fan of clay court tennis, it might be worth a watch. Just be aware that UTS doesn’t follow traditional rules.

The biggest difference is the absence of tramlines on these courts. The matches also use a completely different scoring format, as explained on the UTS YouTube channel.

It’s a divisive format, but one that keeps attracting top players from around the world. Over the past six years, since UTS launched, stars like Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton, Jack Draper, and Alexander Zverev have all taken part.

Mouratoglou still hasn’t convinced Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic to take part yet.

Patrick Mouratoglou speaks up ahead of UTS Nimes

Known just as much for his opinions as his coaching, Mouratoglou has always been one of the more divisive figures in tennis. When he’s not speaking out on ATP or WTA matters, he’s usually focused on building out the UTS brand.

“Two thousand years ago, within these ancient walls, the sand drank the blood of gladiators beneath the roaring cheers of the Roman crowd,” he wrote.

“Next Friday and Saturday, that same sand will yield to ochre clay.

“Upon this sacred ground, some of the world’s finest tennis players will battle for the UTS trophy, witnessed by 12,500 spellbound spectators.”

A bit dramatic? Sure. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be worth a watch.

Read more: