What do we mean by satellites in tennis?

Question

I mean, I know about Challengers and futures but what are these satellites.Are they played any more.If not when were they stopped.Kindly give me a link to help.

Answer 1

They are semi-pro tournaments.  That's what the challenger's used to be called.

Answer 2

In professional tennis, satellites were a series of tournaments usually over a 4 week period that ended with a "masters" event in which the top 16 players played for the bulk of the points. This method for earning points was unwieldily and was being overshadowed by individual tournaments that could offer a quicker way to get points. In 2006,the satellite series was officially replaced by the Futures and Challengers.

Satellites as a general term for a non main schedule ATP or WTA event is still used. It is also a widely used term on the junior circuit for events leading up to Level 1 Nationals.

Answer 3

I belive they are played and are the lowest standard on competition between tennis players. They need to succeed on this curcuit to promote to the higher futures and challengers.