On coloring a new pathway for break-through players…
Bringing the Miami Open courts to a Challenger event was also significant for the players. It gave those ranked just outside of the top 100, the opportunity to play on the same courts as the biggest events in tennis. As one of the coaches explained to me, it allowed them to play like they were at the Miami or US Open:
“Having this quality of court surface – which we were not expecting at an ATP Challenger level, and especially in India- meant that the level of tennis reflected the quality of the ATP tour.” – Australian Coach
Not only did the court quality raise the level of tennis at the tournament but it helps the players to transition to the next level. If they have a chance to play on this type of court, it makes it easier to make the leap when they break into the top 100. As the Australian player who won in Bangalore this year explained:
“Because of the responsiveness of the surface I felt I could put the ball anywhere. It let me use the whole court and play how I wanted to.”
The Miami courts enabled a different style of tennis. They brought the big time to the tennis pathway.
On taking Miami to the masses…
The positive impact of the Miami courts isn’t reserved solely for the elite end of the game. It flows down to the grassroots level. India is a provincial-based country when it comes to their sport set-up and the plan is now to take the Miami Open court surface to numerous courts across the region which will be huge for the popularity and growth of the game in those communities.
On why the future of tennis in Asia is Miami Blue…
Two big tournaments have chosen Laykold’s Miami Courts for their event and others will follow. The Miami Open doesn’t have a reputation as the 5th Slam without good reason. It is one of the biggest recurring pop-up events in the world that has continually innovated for the good of the game. Its influence is being felt far and wide, not least in Asia where the iconic blue courts are giving players and fans alike, a taste of the big time. Tournaments and tennis facilities are also seeing the benefit of courts that are built to last. Where Bangalore has had to resurface its courts every year, the Challenger event now has Laykold courts that will retain their World Class performance level for 3-4 years.