INTENNSE™ Launches Challenge Series, Opening the Door for Rising Tennis Stars to Go Pro

ATLANTA, GA – May 21, 2025 – INTENNSE™, the revolutionary new professional tennis league launching this June, is proud to unveil its Challenge Series—a competitive platform designed to identify and elevate emerging talent into the pro ranks.

Created as a gateway for aspiring players to break into the league, the Challenge Series offers a direct path to professional competition. Held at The INTENNSE Arena at Electric Owl Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, the Challenge Series runs on Thursdays and Fridays during INTENNSE match weeks and culminates in a Saturday showdown against an INTENNSE pro team.

“The INTENNSE Challenge Series is where elite competition meets opportunity,” said Barry Fulcher, Head of Competitions at INTENNSE. “It’s a proving ground where rising stars go head-to-head with seasoned pros in a dynamic, high-intensity format. Every point matters, and those who rise to the occasion will earn their chance to compete alongside—and against—our league’s best in front of fans, coaches, and scouts.”

Challenge Series Format

Thursdays: Group Play

Players are divided into groups based on:

• World Tennis Number® (WTN®)
• Universal Tennis Rating® (UTR®)
• Professional tour rankings

They will compete in fast-paced, 10-minute matches called Bolts, officiated under official INTENNSE rules. Every point counts, with top players advancing to Friday’s shootout.

Group Phase Prize Money

• 1st Place in Group: $200
• 2nd Place in Group: $100

Fridays: Shootout Rounds

Group winners and runners-up face off in a single-elimination shootout. The top three finishers earn a spot on the Challenge Team and additional prize money.

Shootout Prize Money

• 1st Place: $750
• 2nd Place: $500
• 3rd Place: $250

Saturdays: Challenge Team Match

Shootout winners will join the Challenge Team and face an INTENNSE pro team in a Dual Match on the INTENNSE Arena’s main show court, complete with electronic line calling.

The Challenge teams will feature guest coaches, including former professionals Jesse Levine and Jonathan Stokke.

Challenge Match Prize Money

• Winning Men’s/Women’s Singles: $2,667 (shared among 3 players)
• Winning Doubles Team: $2,667 (shared among 6 players)

All prize money is payable upon completion of the Challenge Team match.

Note: Players must be available to compete across all three days of the event.

A True Shot at the Pro Level

“There are so many talented athletes ready for this stage,” said Jean-Yves Aubone, INTENNSE’s Director of Player Relations. “The Challenge Series gives them a real chance—not just to earn prize money, but to prove themselves in a high-stakes environment. Perform well here, and you could be in next season’s draft.”

With its blend of intensity, exposure, and opportunity, the INTENNSE Challenge Series is a unique stepping stone for players looking to make their mark in the world of professional tennis.

How to Apply

👉 Visit Challenge Team page to register and learn more.