Ema Burgic has played four events on the UTR Pro Tennis Tour this year, but already she’s earned more than $15,000. That kind of lucrative prize money is rare in pro tennis developmental pathways, where rising pro players throughout the world find their footing.
But life is different on the UTR Pro Tennis Tour, the innovative global tour created by UTR Sports that serves all pro tennis players, from those starting their journeys to those already competing at Grand Slams. The UTR PTT, now in its fifth year, offers substantial prize money and guaranteed matchplay found exclusively on the UTR PTT.
Burgic and thousands of players come back to the UTR PTT again and again for the prize money and guaranteed matches that have become hallmarks of the tour. She and others not only make substantial earnings that help fund their career and future travel; they also improve their games and raise their UTR Ratings.
“I play UTR PTT events because they consistently offer high-quality matches in a professional and well-organized setting,” Burgic told UTR Sports. “It’s been an incredible way for me to compete at a high level, stay match-tough, and build confidence. The structure, venues, and level of competition make it really stand out.”
Burgic played her first UTR PTT event in August 2023 after time away from the game. This year, the mother of two has won all four UTR PTT events she’s entered.
“What I love most is the level of professionalism and the community it creates. It feels like you’re part of something that’s truly supporting players at every stage of their career,” she said.
Her balance sheet also has benefited from the PTT Tour Card, a new $500,000 program that rewards players the more often they play. Burgic is currently in third place in the PTT Tour Card Points Race and has earned $1,250 in tour card bonuses.
She and all UTR PTT players will be competing against each other throughout the yearlong points race as the year-end top finisher in each gender will earn $10,000.
Like her income, Burgic’s UTR Rating also has risen this year, from 10.26 in December 2024 to 11.02 this week.
“UTR PTT events are perfect for anyone looking to compete at a high level while also having flexibility in their schedule,” Burgic said. “They give you the chance to stay sharp, earn money, and play in great environments. I always leave the events feeling motivated and grateful.”
Malkia Ngounoue has also seen her UTR Rating jump, from 10.11 to 10.70, as she’s enjoyed success on the UTR PTT. The former University of Kansas standout has played in five UTR PTT events this year, winning two of them to bring her UTR PTT title collection to seven overall.
From those five events in 2025, she’s made more than $11,000, more than 10 times her earnings across professional tennis tours this year.
“I play the UTR PTT events because they provide a lot of great matches as well as great money compared to the ITF tournaments. I play these tournaments specifically to save money for air travel, food, and any other tennis expenses that would have been difficult to afford myself,” she said.
Ngounoue especially appreciates the ability to go back and watch her matches, another UTR PTT benefit that helps “improve my game and showcase my talent for potential sponsors,” she said.
“I would definitely recommend other players to go out and play as many as they can. You get high-quality matches, professional experience to prep you for the next level, and a chance to improve your UTR.”
Arjun Mehrotra of Australia (UTR Rating 12.30) won his first UTR PTT title in March in Taiwan. He has earned more than $11,000 in the 11 UTR PTT events he’s played this year. In three ITF events this year, Mehrotra has generated an income of only $577.
“It's really hard to break even on the (ITF) Futures Tour, whereas with UTRs, the guaranteed prize money helps players out a bit financially,” Mehrotra told UTR Sports. “My favorite part is probably how well the tournaments are run, especially the +H events where hospitality is included.”
The exact benefits at hospitality events range depending on the region, but they often help players financially with room accommodations, meals, and transportation.
Kaylah McPhee, also of Australia, has earned more than $20,000 in the seven UTR PTT events she’s played this year. To compare, she's competed in five singles ITF events this year and made less than $3,000.
But what the seven-time UTR PTT champion appreciates most about the UTR PTT is its certainty and the PTT Tour Card’s financial incentives. She’s currently second in the PTT Tour Card Points Race, with 16,850 points.
“With my UTR Rating (10.21), I know I’ll be able to get in each tournament, which allows me to book accommodation and plan travel ahead of time to keep costs down. I never had this luxury in ITFs,” McPhee said.
“PTT events keep me motivated with the goal of climbing higher in the Top 100 PTT Tour Card Points Race, making each tournament meaningful beyond just the immediate financial rewards.”
Learn more about the UTR Pro Tennis Tour, UTR Rating:
- 40 PTT Players Competing at 2025 French Open
- 2025 French Open Women’s Draw Preview
- Watch UTR PTT Live on Amazon Prime
- UTR Sports Expands Off-Court Coaching Globally Across UTR Pro Tennis Tour
- UTR Sports Releases Schedule for UTR Pro Summer Slam
- Opportunities, Money, Matches: Pro Women Tennis Players Praise UTR Pro Tennis Tour
- Kyrgios, Tsitsipas Upset: PTT Champions Score Big Upsets at 2025 Australian Open
- Madison Keys’ 2025 Australian Open Title By the Numbers
- View Updated PTT Points Race Standings
- UTR Sports Expands PTT Player Relations Team
- UTR Pro Tennis Tour Expands to More College Tennis Programs
- UTR Sports Enters NIL Space
- College Tennis Shines, Australia's Parnaby Sees Double on UTR PTT in August
- UTR Sports Announces New PTT Tour Card Program
- UTR Sports Announces Expanded 2025 Global Calendar, $11 Million Pro Tennis Investment
- UTR Sports Selects Sportradar in Long Term, Wide-ranging Partnership
- Tennis Ratings: UTR Rating vs. WTN vs. NTRP
- How UTR Rating Works