A smashing short-form version of tennis will fizz into the Coca-Cola Arena later this year, and it’s sure to make quite the racket among Dubai’s sports fans.
Tie Break Tens, first launched in London in 2015, is serving up its first ever competition in the region in October – and there’s a bumper cash pool of Dhs500,000 up for grabs.
The winning takes all knockout tournament has global billing, with household names like recently crowned Wimbledon Champion Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Elina Svitolina and Rafael Nadal all taking part in previous editions.
Player have competed in Vienna, Madrid, Melbourne, New York City and Indian Wells since its launch six years ago, but organisers are expecting even greater things from the Dubai instalment.
So, how does it work?
TB10 (all about those acronyms) is a quick-fire version of the sport that anyone can play and is thrilling to watch live.
Unlike conventional tennis, Tie Break Tens matches are comprised solely of tie breaks – no games, no sets, just exhilarating ten-point breakers in which every point counts.
Jimmy Poon, tournament director for TB10 Dubai said: “We really believe that Tie Break Tens is paving the way for the future of tennis, and whether you are an avid tennis fan, a young tennis player or just seeking an entertaining evening watching sport of the highest quality, TB10s events energise fans of the sport at all levels. Launching this event in the current climate has its challenges, but nowhere is better equipped than Dubai to deliver.
“We are equally excited to announce that leading up to the main tournament itself, TB10 Dubai is also establishing a grass roots junior tournament in parallel to support young talent in the sport, with the finals of both the boys and girls U18s event being played in the arena on the night of the main event.
“Also included is a tennis clinic in the week leading up to the main event for competition winners from schools in Dubai.”
Former top-ten men’s star and renowned entertainer Gael Monfils is the first name on the bill for TB10 Dubai, with further competitors due to be announced in the coming weeks.
TB10 will launch with only men’s contest, but plans are in palce to roll out a women’s version in due course.
A net gain for Dubai’s sport scene.
Prices TBC. Fri Oct 22. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, tiebreaktensdubai.com.
