The opening day of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown featured the quarterfinals, where four players earned wins and will return to court on Saturday—followed by the final later the same day. This is the first time the tournament is held on clay courts, this time in Nîmes, France.
Friday drew a record 8,000 fans, who came to watch stars such as Andrey Rublev, Ben Shelton, and French favourites Gaël Monfils and Ugo Humbert. The small exhibition event is held over two days this time, leading up to the Monte Carlo Masters, which starts on Monday, 7 April.
Read also
Rublev powers past Shelton
Score: 18–11, 20–7, 11–14, 19–7
Rublev (No. 9) came out on top in a tightly contested match against Ben Shelton (No. 14). The Russian—winner of titles like Monte Carlo and Madrid—looked right at home on the clay surface, making him the clear favourite over the American, who is typically more comfortable on hard courts.
Still, Shelton has been adapting well to clay, having won the ATP 250 Men’s Clay Court Championship a year ago.
Match Info:
Andrey Rublev - Ben Shelton
Start time (your time): Fri, 4 Apr, 7:30 PM
Court: Les Arènes de Nîmes
Tournament: UTS Nîmes, 2025
Round: Quarterfinal
Head-to-Head
| Rublev | Shelton | |
|---|---|---|
| H2H Record | ||
| Total Wins | 0 | 1 |
| Win Streak | 0 | 1 |
| Ranking | ||
| Official Ranking | 9 | 14 |
| Race Ranking | 21 | 7 |
| Live Ranking | ||
| Live Ranking | 9 | 14 |
| Live Race Ranking | 21 | 8 |
| Bios | ||
| Age | 27 (20 Oct 1997) | 22 (9 Oct 2002) |
| Birthplace | Moscow, Russia | Atlanta, Georgia, US |
| Residence | Moscow, Russia | Gainesville, Florida, US |
| Height | 6'2" (188cm) | - |
| Weight | 154lbs (70kg) | - |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) | Left-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | 2014 | - |
| Coach | Marat Safin (Apr 2025-),, Alberto Martín | Bryan Shelton, Dean Goldfine (traveling coach) |
| YTD W/L | 8-7 (53%) | 9-6 (60%) |
| YTD Titles | 1 | - |
| Career Titles | 17 | 2 |
| Prize Money | US$28,278,104 - 18th all-time in earnings | US $6,231,742 |
| Past Meetings | ||
|
B Shelton d A Rublev ATP Basel - Quarterfinal7-5 | 6-7 | 6-4 25 Oct 2024 |
||
De Minaur silences French crowd, sweeps Humbert
Score: 15–14, 13–12, 17–9
Alex De Minaur (No. 01) had a smoother path, beating home player Ugo Humbert (No. 2) in straight sets. In UTS, sets are played on time, not points. De Minaur also faced a loud French crowd and delivered an impressive 97% first serve rate (in UTS, there's only one serve—miss it, and you lose the point).
Match Info:
Alex de Minaur - Ugo Humbert
Start time (your time): Fri, 4 Apr, 8:30 PM
Court: Les Arènes de Nîmes
Tournament: UTS Nîmes, 2025
Round: Quarterfinal
Head-to-Head
| de Minaur | Humbert | |
|---|---|---|
| H2H Record | ||
| Total Wins | 5 | 2 |
| Win Streak | 2 | 0 |
| Ranking | ||
| Official Ranking | 10 | 20 |
| Race Ranking | 8 | 29 |
| Live Ranking | ||
| Live Ranking | 10 | 20 |
| Live Race Ranking | 9 | 30 (-1) |
| Bios | ||
| Age | 26 (17 Feb 1999) | 26 (26 Jun 1998) |
| Birthplace | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Metz, France |
| Residence | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,Alicante, Valencia, Spain | - |
| Height | 6'0" (183cm) | 6'2" (188cm) |
| Weight | 152lbs (69kg) | 159lbs (72kg) |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) | Left-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 | 2016 |
| Coach | Adolfo Gutierrez, Peter Luczak | Fabrice Martin (2024–),, Jérémy Chardy (2022–2024) |
| YTD W/L | 16-6 (73%) | 9-4 (69%) |
| YTD Titles | - | 1 |
| Career Titles | 9 | 7 |
| Prize Money | US $16,435,900 | US $8,769,132 |
| Past Meetings | ||
|
A de Minaur d U Humbert ATP S-Hertogenbosch - Semifinal7-6 | 6-3 15 Jun 2024 |
||
|
A de Minaur d U Humbert Davis Cup -7-6 | 6-3 14 Sep 2023 |
||
|
U Humbert d A de Minaur ATP Atlanta - Quarterfinal7-6 | 6-3 29 Jul 2023 |
||
|
A de Minaur d U Humbert ATP Lyon - Round of 161-6 | 6-3 | 6-2 17 May 2022 |
||
|
A de Minaur d U Humbert ATP Barcelona - Round of 326-3 | 4-6 | 6-3 20 Apr 2022 |
||
|
A de Minaur d U Humbert ATP Cup -3-6 | 7-6 | 6-1 6 Jan 2022 |
||
|
U Humbert d A de Minaur ATP Antwerp - Final6-1 | 7-6 25 Oct 2020 |
||
Ruud dominates Popyrin
Score: 17–13, 20–6, 16–10
Casper Ruud is another player who is always dangerous on clay. A two-time finalist at Roland Garros, he has won 11 titles on the surface, including the ATP 500 Barcelona Open in 2024. The Norwegian had no issues dispatching Australian Alexei Popyrin in straight sets and has already shown he is eager to make an impact during the clay-court season. When Ruud finds his rhythm, he is capable of beating anyone on this surface. With Rafael Nadal absent and Novak Djokovic looking uncertain this year, Ruud no doubt feels capable of achieving something significant in this part of the season.
Match Info:
Casper Ruud - Alexei Popyrin
Start time (your time): Fri, 4 Apr, 9:30 PM
Court: Les Arènes de Nîmes
Tournament: UTS Nîmes, 2025
Round: Quarterfinal
Head-to-Head
| Ruud | Popyrin | |
|---|---|---|
| H2H Record | ||
| Total Wins | 0 | 0 |
| Win Streak | 0 | 0 |
| Ranking | ||
| Official Ranking | 6 | 28 |
| Race Ranking | 25 | 144 |
| Live Ranking | ||
| Live Ranking | 7 (-1) | 27 (+1) |
| Live Race Ranking | 26 (-1) | 148 |
| Bios | ||
| Age | 26 (22 Dec 1998) | 25 (5 Aug 1999) |
| Birthplace | Oslo, Norway | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Residence | Snarøya, Norway | Australia |
| Height | 6'0" (183cm) | 6'5" (196cm) |
| Weight | 170lbs (77kg) | 170lbs (77kg) |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 | 2017 |
| Coach | Christian Ruud, Pedro Clar Rosselló | Neville Godwin,, Xavier Malisse |
| YTD W/L | 9-4 (69%) | 2-6 (25%) |
| YTD Titles | - | - |
| Career Titles | 12 | 3 |
| Prize Money | US $22,805,249 - - 26th all-time in earnings | US$7,028,742 |
| Past Meetings | ||
|
First meeting |
||
Machac beats crowd favourite Monfils
Score: 16–10, 8–19, 19–7, 18–10
Tomas Machac bounced back from his unfortunate Miami Open retirement—where he withdrew before facing Jakub Mensik in the round of 16.
Now back on court in Nîmes for his first clay match of the year, the Czech took on Gaël Monfils, a fan favourite and regular at UTS events. Despite the loud French support, Machac came through with an impressive performance in the marquee match of the evening.
Match Info:
Tomas Machac - Gael Monfils
Start time (your time): Fri, 4 Apr, 10:30 PM
Court: Les Arènes de Nîmes
Tournament: UTS Nîmes, 2025
Round: Quarterfinal
Head-to-Head
| Machac | Monfils | |
|---|---|---|
| H2H Record | ||
| Total Wins | 0 | 0 |
| Win Streak | 0 | 0 |
| Ranking | ||
| Official Ranking | 21 | 42 |
| Race Ranking | 13 | 24 |
| Live Ranking | ||
| Live Ranking | 21 | 44 (-2) |
| Live Race Ranking | 13 | 25 (-1) |
| Bios | ||
| Age | 24 (13 Oct 2000) | 38 (1 Sep 1986) |
| Birthplace | Beroun, Czech Republic | Paris, France |
| Residence | Prague, Czech Republic | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Height | - | 6'3" (193cm) |
| Weight | - | 187lbs (85kg) |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) | Right handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | - | 2004 |
| Coach | Daniel Vacek | Mikael Tillström (2016–2018, 2023–), Thierry Champion (2004–2006), Tarik Benhabiles (2007–2008), Roger Rasheed (2008–2011), Patrick Chamagne (2011–2013), Jan de Witt (2015), Liam Smith (2019–2020),, Richard Ruckelshausen (2021–2023), Günter Bresnik (2021–2023) |
| YTD W/L | 13-2 (87%) | 13-4 (76%) |
| YTD Titles | 1 | 1 |
| Career Titles | 1 | 13 |
| Prize Money | US $3,790,105 | US $23,681,813 - 23rd all-time in earnings |
| Past Meetings | ||
|
First meeting |
||
Saturday’s Schedule (local time):
• 12:00 PM – Shelton vs Popyrin
• 1:00 PM – De Minaur vs Machac
• 2:00 PM – Ruud vs Rublev
• 3:00 PM – Monfils vs Humbert
• 4:15 PM – Final
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
