The role of a father is something that ATP stars generally do not open up about. While it is common for them to talk about their mothers, the story is quite balanced for the Australian ATP star Alexei Popyrin. Along with being thankful for Elena Popyrin’s unwavering support, Alexei has also been verbal about the close link of his father to the tennis world. Here’s how Alex Popyrin joined hands with Serena Williams‘ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou to bless the tennis world with an extraordinary gift.

Alex Popyrin, the father of this year’s Canadian Open champion Alexei Popyrin, has been at the forefront of transforming tennis. He decided to indulge his mind alongside world-renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou and therefore co-founded the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) during the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While many were still wondering why this event was created, the only goal was to breathe new life into the game and make it more dynamic and appealing to a younger audience that might find traditional tennis formats boring or stuffy.

UTS is not just an average tennis competition but the ultimate dynamic, interactive experience for fans who become part of the action. The match format includes four quarters of eight minutes each, making it lightning fast. Scoring is also simplified in the event as winning a point adds to a player’s score. Each player gets only one serve per point, adding intensity and urgency to every rally. There’s also a unique twist in the form of bonus cards. Players can use bonus cards to change the course of the match, introducing a modern touch that is rarely seen in professional sports.

But UTS is more than just about rules but also about breaking down the barriers between players and fans. Players are mic’d up during matches and spectators get an inside look at the strategies and emotions of their favorite stars. All of this became more than just business for Alexei Popyrin’s dad as he collaborated with Mouratoglou for it’s launch.

He saw the need for disruption in tennis, and together with the renowned coach, created a platform that could revolutionize how people engage with the sport. The increasing popularity of UTS is also reflected in its commendable prize money, with $301,000 awarded to the winner. UTS has set the standard for how tennis should be played and watched, showcasing how Alex Popyrin is committed to this new concept.

Patrick Mouratoglou explains how this step with Alexei Popyrin’s father could evolve the sport

Patrick Mouratoglou once expressed frustration about the current state of tennis, saying, “Everybody is thinking for himself.” He believes the sport is not focusing on its future or its fans, which is essential because “the way people consume has changed.” Mouratoglou, who is known for his outspoken views, has consistently criticized tennis for its shortcomings and believes the sport needs to attract younger and new fans.

He stated, “It’s not that we don’t want those fans, but we need to bring young fans, and new fans, to tennis.” Mouratoglou also criticized traditional tennis etiquette, comparing it to parental punishments that force children to “sit still and be quiet for the next three hours.” Well this was to pitch in his new event along with sharing some analysis of the system.

When fans at the French Open became unruly, organizers banned alcohol, which Mouratoglou drew parallel to a teacher punishing an entire class for one student’s bad behavior. As the bond between Mouratoglou and Popyrin’s dad continues to propel, it still remains to be seen if their target is fulfilled.