Virgin Media is back with another blockbuster upgrade for its UK TV users. The telly and broadband firm has just announced the launch of a new dedicated Tennis Channel that will offer non-stop on-court action. The best part is, homes can tune in and view every moment without being asked to pay a penny more. This update is available to all TV users, via their set-top box, and can be found by heading to channel 542. Virgin says the service will run 24 hours a day and offer access to action from the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, as well as the ATP Challenger Tour.
When the live action stops, the channel will then show exclusive interviews, player profiles, magazine shows and highlights, alongside a rich archive of classic matches and memorable moments from some of tennis’s biggest stages, including the Australian Open and US Open.
This dedicated tennis service now joins a swathe of other streaming services that Virgin has recently launched. In fact, Virgin boasts that it now has over 35 free extra channels including British Screen Classics, Inside Crime, U&Transport, Tipping Point, Deal or No Deal, Great British Menu, History Hunters and much more.
The tennis upgrade will automatically be added to Virgin TV 360 and Flex plans, with no need for customers to take action, retune devices or call Virgin’s call centre.
Speaking about the latest changes, Richard Vivian, Director of Programming and Value-Added Services at Virgin Media O2, said: “Tennis continues to captivate audiences around the world, and this new streaming channel gives our customers even more ways to stay connected to the sport they love. Available 24/7 at no extra cost, Virgin TV customers can switch onto live tournaments and exclusive content as well as must-watch tennis content they won’t find anywhere else.”
And Andy Reif, SVP International and Programming at Tennis Channel, added: “We’re thrilled to bring world-class tennis coverage to millions of UK fans through this new partnership with Virgin Media O2. “This marks another milestone in Tennis Channel’s ongoing international growth and reinforces our commitment to delivering the best tennis coverage to fans everywhere.”
HERE’S WHAT’S COMING TO THE NEW CHANNEL
PREMIER COUNTRY vs COUNTRY COMPETITIONS
United Cup • Davis Cup • Billie Jean King Cup • Hopman Cup
ATP & WTA UK GRASS COURT EVENTS
ATP 500 Queen’s (HSBC CHAMPIONSHIPS) • WTA 500 Queen’s (HSBC CHAMPIONSHIPS)
ATP & WTA Birmingham • ATP & WTA Ilkley • WTA 250 & ATP Nottimgham • WTA & ATP 250 Eastborne
ATP CHALLENGER TOUR
35 events from January to November
ULTIMATE TENNIS SHOWDOWN
GUADALAJARA • NÎMES • HONG KONG • LONDON