The conclusion of the third complete Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) season takes place this week in London, England, at Copper Box Arena. Founded in 2020, UTS has done a terrific job engaging with younger fans through an interactive, fast-paced format. Seventeen players competed across three UTS events in 2025. Eight have been invited to compete for a nearly two-million-dollar purse in London. But who will claim victory on Day 1?
Ultimate Tennis Showdown London Grand Final Day 1 Predictions
Alex de Minaur vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-Head: de Minaur 4-1 Mannarino
In an event centered on shot-making and crowd engagement, it will be interesting to watch this match between two of the more consistent baseline ball-strikers on tour. Alex de Minaur uses his speed to electrify crowds, but has not had much success at UTS events. However, he should be able to use the quick format against Adrian Mannarino, whose specialty is grinding opponents down in three and five-set matches.
Prediction: de Minaur in three quarters
Ugo Humbert vs David Goffin
Head-to-Head: Humbert 2-2 Goffin
This is a tough match to predict. Will both players be up for it? Even if they are, what level will they bring? Both Ugo Humbert and David Goffin have been wildly inconsistent in 2025. However, Humbert is much easier to trust in the spot. The lefty reeled off six wins in Stockholm and Basel to close the season.
Prediction: Humbert in four quarters
Casper Ruud vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-Head: Ruud 4-5 Cerundolo
The winner of UTS 14, Casper Ruud, squares off against the winner of UTS 15, Francisco Cerundolo, in what should be a blockbuster Day 1 encounter. They split their two 2025 ATP Tour matches, with the Argentine dispatching Ruud 6-4 6-2 in their only hardcourt meeting. I don’t worry about the competitiveness of either player in this exhibition. I give the slight edge to the Norwegian, who strung together a 10-4 record after the US Open to end his season.
Prediction: Ruud in sudden death
Andrey Rublev vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-Head: Rublev 0-1 Machac
Tomas Machac finished the 2025 UTS regular season No. 1 in the race rankings. He won UTS 13 and finished runner-up in UTS 14. Machac is a rightful showman and has no issues with mid-match retirements in the shortened UTS format. Andrey Rublev also played in two UTS events this season, reaching the semifinals both weekends. Regarding their ATP head-to-head, Machac won the only matchup 6-4 6-4 in Miami in 2024. All signs point towards a Czech victory.
Prediction: Machac in four quarters
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports