Tracing tennis back reveals a sport born from wooden rackets, cork balls, and the intricate theatre of ‘real tennis’ played off walls and galleries. From Major Harry Gem and Augurio Perera’s lawn experiment to Major Walter Clopton Wingfield’s Sphairistike in 1873, the modern game took shape and found order under the ITF. Yet despite this evolution, Patrick Mouratoglou now warns that the sport may be drifting toward a dangerous turning point.

Speaking ahead of the latest Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) event in Nîmes, Serena Williams’ former coach shared serious concerns about tennis in an interview with Eurosport France.

“I really don’t understand how tennis can survive until 2050 or 2055, I see no possible way. Once again, whatever sport we’re talking about, it will only be profitable and successful the moment people watch it,” he said.

He stressed that viewership is the foundation of any sport’s survival. Without consistent audience engagement, long-term stability becomes uncertain. “If there is no broad fan base, then there will be no sponsors, nor an audience. Therefore, if people under 30 do not consume this type of product, tennis is in danger in the next 30 years,” he asserts vehemently.

He also pointed to a major structural issue. According to him, tennis has not adapted its format over time.

“Tennis is the world of yesterday; it was created before 1900, and the format has never changed since then. Today, consumption patterns have completely changed with social media, streaming platforms, video games… people under 30 no longer consume content as before.”

He explained that younger audiences engage with content differently. Traditional long-form matches are no longer their preferred way of watching.

“Even the players, when I ask them, 100% tell me they no longer watch full matches, they say matches are too long, they just focus on watching the highlights. The product is not suitable; yes, it’s suitable for us, suitable for me, but not for people under 30,” he concludes.

He also reflected on generational differences in tennis fandom. The sport remains highly popular among those who grew up watching it in the 1970s and 1980s. This older audience still supports the sport strongly. Their engagement ensures that sponsors and television deals remain stable for now.

“Everything is fine in that sector; however, if we project ourselves 20, 30, or 40 years from now, the fan base will no longer exist, so there will be no more tennis,” predicts Mouratoglou.

He then criticized the governing bodies for their approach. “The ATP and the Grand Slams are living in the present; they are doing their job extremely well because they are very profitable, but no one is thinking about the future of tennis,” he adds.

Despite these warnings, he has also suggested solutions. The 55-year-old believes changes are necessary to protect the sport’s long-term future.

Patrick Mouratoglou urges shorter formats and modernized tennis viewing experience

After warning that tennis could fade from the mainstream, Patrick Mouratoglou has also offered his own solution. He believes innovation is necessary to protect the sport’s future. His biggest project so far is the UTS. It features a shorter format, special rules, and a system where players earn money based on performance.

UTS was launched in 2020. Since then, it has been held in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The next event will take place in Nîmes. The venue is historic and adds a unique atmosphere to the competition.

The format focuses on entertainment and fan engagement. It allows closer interaction between players and the crowd, with fewer restrictions than traditional tournaments.

However, not everyone supports the concept. Many traditional tennis fans and experts have criticized the format.

Mouratoglou insists that UTS is not meant to replace existing tournaments. He positions it as an alternative that can attract a different audience.

“The UTS is a combination of a real sport and also entertainment, it’s both things. Let’s say it’s not just one or the other. An exhibition is 100% entertainment, where players compete at 20 or 30% of their potential; that’s why players complain that the calendar is too restrictive while participating in exhibitions,” he explained.

He also addressed the difference between exhibitions and official matches. “People don’t understand these things, but an exhibition can never tire you out the same way a tournament does; it’s not comparable at all. On the other hand, when you have to play an official match, there is significant physical and mental fatigue,” the Frenchman argues.

For Mouratoglou, UTS is a proactive step. He wants the tennis world to adapt before it is forced to react. He believes change will become unavoidable if audiences turn away. The traditional model may not survive without evolution.

“If people no longer want to watch traditional tennis, the ATP and the WTA will be forced to completely change the format the next day, which will be complicated. Perhaps they can partner with us and have these two formats coexist until there is potentially a change,” he concludes.

With this vision now clearly presented, the debate continues. The question remains whether tennis should evolve now or wait until change becomes unavoidable.