Andrey Rublev made his debut at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown event at Frankfurt. UTS has been one of the latest tennis events on tour with a totally different set of rules. The energy in the crowd is unlike any other event, as they are even allowed to cheer during the points. Players are given more freedom as they can interact with the crowd and their team during the match.
Rublev defeated Grigor Dimitrov in the final and took home the lightning-shaped trophy. He posed with the trophy as fans began to comment about the trophy being different from other events. Rublev picking up the trophy and holding it over his head gave the fans the idea they needed. “He would be a great acting Zeus in a film,” commented one fan as he thought Rublev looked like the god of thunder.
He would be a great acting Zeus in a film
— Saša Ugrčić (@sugrcic) September 18, 2023
Fans also instantly liked the unique design of the trophy. One fan commented, “Best throphy design, honestly.” The UTS has been capturing the attention of the fans for all the right reasons.
That might be the coolest trophy I have ever seen 😮💨
— UtdUnity (@UtdUnity) September 17, 2023
It was the first time Rublev had entered the court since losing the US Open quarterfinal against Daniil Medvedev earlier this month. The Russian lost in a grueling encounter at the quarterfinal clash for the ninth time at a grand slam. Rublev looked in form at UTS as the crowd also felt that he was in his best form.
Andrey Rublev becomes latest player to hold unique trophies
The UTS trophy is one of many to be noticed by the fans. There have been many bizarre and unique prizes gifted to players. Although most of the events tend to use the same trophies over the years, certain tournaments keep changing their style.
Acapulco Open
The Acapulco Open takes place in Mexico every year and is a Masters 500 event. The winner receives a giant silver pear trophy and also a sombrero to wear during the ceremony. The initial years saw players fighting for the title on clay, and since 2014, it has been played on blue hardcourts.
OUR. CHAMP. 🏆@alexdeminaur #AMT2023 | #CelebratingTennis30 pic.twitter.com/obmAw7NYI3
— Abierto Mexicano (@AbiertoTelcel) March 5, 2023
This year, Alex De Minaur defeated Tommy Paul in the finals of the event. De Minaur captured his first title of the season and his first Master 500 trophy.
Dubai Duty-free Championships
The Dubai Duty-Free Championships is the first Masters 500 outdoor hardcourt event of the season. It is usually played in February. The winner gets a ship-like trophy, while the runner-up receives a dagger form of trophy.
A spectacular week for both of these guys! 👏@ddftennis | #DDFTennis | @DaniilMedwed | @AndreyRublev97 pic.twitter.com/l9TheqCpxr
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 4, 2023
Medvedev defeated Rublev in an all-Russian final this season. Rublev lost in straight sets as Medvedev lifted his third consecutive title of the season.
ASB Classic
ASB Classic event takes place in Auckland each season and has a special ceremony after the match. The players are given trophies, and the winner is presented with a traditional spear. The Maori warriors perform the “haka” while gifting the spear to the winner.
Richard Gasquet had won the title this year at Auckland while defeating Cameron Norrie. The 37-year-old won his first title in five years and became emotional during the prize ceremony. The Frenchman is the oldest tour title winner this year on the ATP tour. The ASB Classic has been running since 1968 and has been following the traditions ever since.
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