Patrick Mouratoglou, coach of Serena Williams, created a new tennis format titled ‘Ultimate Tennis Showdown’ (UTS). And its biggest supporter is none other than the boxing legend Mike Tyson.

On an Instagram Live session between the two, the American boxer backed the Frenchman’s idea of a shorter format of the sport. He claimed that it will bring “more entertainment” and people want that.

The tournament came to be born as a way to keep tennis alive amid the pandemic outbreak. It definitely served its purpose, but more, it allowed fans to expect a higher volume of it in the coming years.

Because it is played in time-constraint rounds unlike traditional tennis, it makes the sport even more challenging and interesting. Previously, ‘Iron Mike’ had compared the tennis event to a UFC fight.

Read More: “It’s Like the UFC of Tennis” – Boxing Legend Mike Tyson Applauds Patrick Mouratoglou’s League

Mike Tyson matches African Wild Dogs with Tennis players

In response to Patrick’s question about what he thinks about UTS as a tennis outsider, Tyson gave his seal-of-approval. “I think what you have going on is amazing,” Mike replied.

He elaborated, “They are constantly moving and motion release tension. And that’s the best thing about sports – the constant movement, the perpetual motion of the human being.”

Later on, the 50-year-old drew parallels between African wild dogs and tennis. He highlighted that they keep going on, without tiring or slowing down, until the enemy fall due to exhaustion.

“Tennis is about breaking somebody’s spirit. In order to win, you have to break their spirit.”

He also quoted baseball legend, Babe Ruth, on how you just can’t beat the person who never gives up.

And one of the greatest examples of a relentless spirit is Mike’s all-time favorite Serena Williams. The duo had trained together during the off-season of the 4-time Olympic Gold medallist in 2019.

Tyson highlighted how the psychological state is important for an athlete

Even at 39, Serena aims to contribute her best to tennis and nothing else. Her strong disposition still infuses fear in the minds of her opponents. Mike also advised the same.

He illustrated, “You gotta keep being physiological that people don’t give up. Some people are like you, they rather die than lose. So you have to be physiological and emotionally attached to yourself.”

UTS has great potential in the future of tennis, and therefore, it will definitely prove beneficial for professional players. Listen to them talk about UTS and other aspects of tennis and athletics.

To equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles, Serena will go all-in at the Australian Open 2021. Do you think she still has it in her to win a major tournament title? Will UTS find a regular place in the calendar of top tennis layers?

Also Read: ‘Roger Federer, Serena Williams…’: Tennis Players For Whom 2021 is a Do or Die Season