Launched by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as part of its ongoing campaign to endorse the sport and increase participation, the second-ever World Tennis Day recreated history as iconic tennis pros including Andre Agassi vs. Pete Sampras and Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray, took to the court.
With sister events taking place simultaneously in New York and Hong Kong, this was the first time the event was held in the UK. The one day sporting spectacular also featured various interactive workshops and coaching sessions for guests to try out their tennis skills.
Working with long-term client Earls Court and event organisers Star Games, Blackout installed 2,500m2 of black wool serge drapes carefully shaped around the perimeter of the temporary tennis court and seating grandstands, which were installed especially for the event.
The drapes created an enclosed arena within the ground floor auditorium of Earls Court giving the intimate atmosphere required for the edge-of-the-seat tennis action. The corners provided the backdrop to the big screens, which broadcast live scores.
Chris Brain, installations director at Blackout, commented, "We have supplied our bespoke draping packages to a wide range of events held within Earls Court, showcasing just how versatile the space can be. However, this was the first time that we have created a specialist tennis arena.
"With high profile sponsors such as the Financial Times and a live broadcast by Euro Sport it was vital that the arena was finished to the highest quality, provided the backdrop and acoustic properties required for both the broadcasters and live audience."
(Jim Evans)
