2024: A Year of Growth for INTENNSE & Plans for 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the progress INTENNSE has made in its mission to reimagine tennis. From new formats to notable events, this year marked several key milestones. Here’s a look at the highlights that defined the year and what's yet to come.
Pioneering a New Era in Tennis
INTENNSE was created to make tennis more engaging, fast-paced, and accessible to a new audience and fan base. A key component of this vision is the BOLT, a 10-minute period of play that brings structure and intensity to every match. With the INTENNSE format, it is common to play more than 50 points per BOLT. In junior matches, players compete in two bolts, while pro matches feature three. “Trials” consisting of single-BOLT matches can precede any team event, ensuring all players many points against multiple opponents. This innovative approach has transformed the way the sport is played, providing a fresh, exhilarating experience for both players and fans.
In addition to the BOLT, the team focus has amplified the intensity even further. Coaches can offer guidance and substitute players during matches, allowing for strategic changes that keep the gameplay dynamic and unpredictable.
Key Events of 2024
The Olde Towne Junior Tournament in Atlanta was one of the first opportunities to showcase the INTENNSE format. Junior players and their families immersed themselves in the dynamic, team-based approach, offering valuable feedback and expressing enthusiasm for the concept.
The Georgia Tech vs. UGA match in October brought college tennis fans together for a competitive and spirited event. College stars competed in front of a lively audience, with additional highlights including performances from GT Jadoo and UGA Asura dance teams and interactive activities for fans. Thanks to Redfoo ’s generous purchase of all tickets, proceeds from the event were able to be donated to Team Luke Hope For Minds, a non-profit organization that supports families of children who have suffered brain injuries.
INTENNSE Tennis
At the Rome GA L5 Tournament, INTENNSE introduced an interactive “BOLT” court for players to warm up before matches or continue playing after exiting the draw. We demonstrated how the INTENNSE format can be seamlessly integrated into existing competition structures, offering players and families a fun, fast-paced addition to their tournament weekend.
The year wrapped up with a junior event at the Cleveland Racquet Club vs. Rasheed Hassan Elite academy from Pittsburgh, highlighting INTENNSE's focus on fostering city rivalries to elevate fan engagement.
INTENNSE Tennis
INTENNSE also signed four professional league players. The first two have been announced: Michaela Gordon and Martin Gutierrez. Michaela Gordon made her mark as Stanford University’s No. 1 singles and doubles player, contributing to two NCAA Championship-winning teams. Her list of accolades includes Pac-12 Singles & Doubles Player of the Year, National Rookie of the Year, and multiple ITA All-American honors. Martin Gutierrez, known for his explosive style of play, holds four NCAA Championship titles and three ITA All-American honors. Consistently a fan favorite, these players embody the energy and passion that define INTENNSE and will play pivotal roles in the league’s continued growth.
Stay tuned for more player announcements in early 2025.
Starting 2025 with a Bang
INTENNSE is kicking off the year with a prize money event at the International Tennis Academy on January 4th. This event is the first of a series that will offer players a chance to compete for cash while showcasing the excitement of the new format; it will also be the first in a series of “lab” exercises where we work with a technology partner on the streaming infrastructure that will be used during the Summer Pro League. Cracked Racquets will be providing live coverage.
INTENNSE Tennis
Expanding to New Cities
As part of its growth strategy, INTENNSE is thrilled to announce that four cities will host teams in 2025: Atlanta, Knoxville, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Chosen for their vibrant tennis communities and passionate fan bases, these cities will play a key role in bringing the INTENNSE experience to more audiences and solidifying the league’s presence in the sport.
Keep an eye out for the announcement of host academies in each team city, coming soon!
Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025
The main focus for 2025 is the launch of the Pro League. The Pre Season stretches from January through May; the Pro Season runs from June through August; and the Post Season finishes out the year. During the pre-season every INTENNSE team will be actively recruiting for the pro-season, while each host academy will hold a pre-season event; in each city we will sponsor inter-academy competitions and prize money opportunities to build awareness. During the post-season a representative INTENNSE team will participate in showcase events around the country, in advance of the expansion of the league to new areas of the US.
There are positions on every INTENNSE team open to college tennis players graduating in the Spring of 2025; an incredible opportunity to net a healthy contract salary, including coaching and access to top training facilities, with the upside of prize money for both individual and team performance.
Throughout the year we will be offering fans a closer look into players' and coaches’ lives, their journeys, and the strategies that drive their performance. Match-day content will further highlight the personalities of players, coaches and fans, extending the opportunities for engagement and play beyond the court. With these plans in place, 2025 is set to be a groundbreaking year for tennis and the INTENNSE movement.
A Year of Development
2024 was a pivotal year for INTENNSE, laying the groundwork for continued evolution in the sport of tennis. From the introduction of our high-octane format and league structure to electrifying events at many levels of play, INTENNSE has demonstrated how tennis can adapt and grow. As 2025 begins, the focus remains on expanding these efforts and building stronger connections with fans and players alike.
Listen to Martin, Michaela and our CEO Charles Allen on Cracked Racquets Podcast & follow us on social media for more updates.
