What Are the ATP Next Gen Finals?
The ATP Next Gen Finals is an annual event showcasing the best young male talent in tennis, providing a competitive platform for emerging players aged 20 and under (21 and under before 2024). Initially held in Milan from 2017 to 2022, the tournament has moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, through 2027. This year, it will be held from December 18 to 22, 2024, at the King Abdullah Sports City.
This unique tournament offers an innovative approach to the sport, with rule changes designed to increase the pace and intensity of matches. The tournament has become a springboard for promising young players, many of whom go on to rise through the ranks on the ATP circuit.
Format and Innovations
Unlike traditional tournaments, the Next Gen Finals are structured to maintain fan interest with a faster pace and fewer interruptions. Matches are played in a best-of-five-set format, but each set is shortened, with the first player to reach four games winning the set, and a tiebreak being played at 3-3. This format makes each set faster, keeping the suspense alive and increasing the potential for thrilling turnarounds.
Additionally, the tournament has introduced several experimental rules aimed at making the game more appealing to younger audiences:
No-Ad Scoring: When a game reaches deuce (40-40), the next point decides the winner, raising the stakes of every point.
No Warm-Up: Players have access to a court for warm-up before the match, but no warm-up occurs after the coin toss.
Hawk-Eye Live: Instead of traditional line judges, all decisions are made through Hawk-Eye technology, enhancing accuracy and reducing interruptions.
Shot Clock: Although the shot clock is already used on the ATP Tour, it will be reduced from 25 to 15 seconds for the Next Gen Finals when the preceding rally has lasted less than three shots. Additionally, a maximum of eight seconds is allocated between a first and second serve.
Free Movement: Spectators can move freely in the stands, even during points.
The Road to Jeddah
Qualifying for the ATP Next Gen Finals is a reward for players who have shown consistency throughout the season. Points accumulate based on performances, with the top seven players qualifying automatically, while the eighth spot is given as a wildcard to a player who has won a qualifying tournament. Once again, the tournament will host some of the most promising talents who have already made their mark on the ATP circuit.
Here’s the current standings for ATP Next Gen Finals qualification as of November 7, 2024:
Arthur Fils (No. 20) : 2,355 points
Alex Michelsen (No. 43) : 1,195 points (ATP 250 Metz)
Jakuk Mensik (No. 49) : 1,136 points
Juncheng Shang (No. 50) : 1,115 points
Luca Van Assche (No. 119) : 496 points
Learner Tien (No. 122) : 455 points (Challenger Knoxville)
Joao Fonseca (No. 149) : 387 points
Martin Landaluce (No. 162) : 348 points
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Nishesh Basavareddy (No. 175) : 336 points (Challenger Knoxville)
Coleman Wong (No. 158) : 334 points
Vilius Gaubas (No. 187) : 304 points (Challenger Lima)
Henrique Rocha (No. 173) : 304 points (Challenger Lima)
After this week, one final week remains for these players to accumulate ranking points with the Challenger tournaments held in Kobe, Montevideo, Lyon, Drummondville, and Champaign.
Star Players and Past Participants
Over the years, the ATP Next Gen Finals have seen future stars who went on to become mainstays of men’s tennis. Champions like Stefanos Tsitsipas, who won in 2018, and Jannik Sinner, victorious in 2019, used their success in Milan as a springboard for their ATP Tour careers.
Carlos Alcaraz, who won the tournament in 2021, quickly rose to fame, becoming the youngest world No. 1 in history. He even gave us this legendary point three years ago in Milan:
This year, players like Arthur Fils, Alex Michelsen, and Jakuk Mensik bring a mix of powerful serves, quick movement, and relentless energy, embodying the next generation of top competitors. Fans can expect intense rallies, bold shots, and moments that capture the essence of tennis excitement.
In addition to established ATP players, fans will see in action players who dominated the Challenger circuit this year. Learner Tien holds no less than three titles on the Challenger circuit and four ITF titles this year, while Nishesh Basavareddy won a Challenger tournament and reached three other finals.
Alongside Tsitsipas, Sinner, and Alcaraz, several other ATP stars have come through the Next Gen Finals: Andrey Rublev (2017-2018), Alex de Minaur (2018-2019), Frances Tiafoe (2018-2019), Hubert Hurkacz (2018), and Taylor Fritz (2018) are just a few examples.
Among the eight players competing in the ATP Finals next week, only Alexander Zverev did not go through the ATP Next Gen Finals, opting out of the tournament in 2017 and 2018 despite qualifying.
Beyond Jeddah: Preparing for Success on the ATP Tour
For players, the ATP Next Gen Finals are much more than just a tournament; they’re a valuable experience that allows them to compete under pressure and in the spotlight. The unique structure helps them hone their adaptability and mental resilience, essential qualities for success at the highest level. Many former participants credit this tournament with helping prepare them to face the challenges of ATP competition.
Every year, as these young athletes head to Milan and now Jeddah, the ATP Next Gen Finals offer a captivating glimpse into the future of men’s tennis. For fans, it’s a chance to witness rising stars in their formative years, while for players, it’s a defining step and an open door to the pinnacle of tennis. This tournament has become a celebration of youth, talent, and potential, showing that the future of tennis is brighter and more exciting than ever.
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