World No.1 Andy Murray has supported the implementation of a series of new rules for the inaugural ATP Next Gen Finals in Milan later this year.
The ATP is set to trailed out of a series of new rules to see how well they are received by both players and fans at the upcoming tournament. Unlike the ATP Tour, the event will have shorter sets (first to four games), shorter warm ups, a no-let rule and only one medical timeout per player.
Critics of the move have argued that the changes make the Next Gen finals appear more like an exhibition event. The purpose of the event is to promote the rising stars of the men’s game. The draw will feature the seven highest ranked players under the age of 21 along with a wild card entrant. Alexander Zverev, Borna Coric and Karen Khanagov are all on course to participate according to their current rankings.
Weighing in on the debate, three-time grand slam champion Murray believes the approach taken by the ATP is the right one for the future of the game. The Brit’s view is similar to that of Novak Djokovic. Earlier this year the Serbian said that tennis needs to be ‘open-minded’ for changes in the sport.
“Tennis is doing very well right now but that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s going to be the case in the future, so I think it’s important to try new formats, different scoring systems and see if it works,” Murray told reporters.
“It is good to try new things… at least it’s trying something different. You have to give credit for doing that, because tennis has often been accused of being too traditional, not wanting to try new things.”
Murray has however spoken out against one of the new proposed rules. He was quoted saying that he is not in favour of playing matches with no-advantage scoring, but is open to playing shorter sets. No-advantage scoring means that at deuce, the next point decides the outcome of that game.
The Next Gen Finals will take place in November. The tournament will have a prize pool of $1.275 Million and be played in a round robin format.
The new rules being tested in Milan
Shorter Format: First to Four games sets (Tie-Break at 3-All), Best-of-Five sets, with No-Ad scoring
A shorter set format designed to increase number of pivotal moments in a match, while the best-of-five set format does not alter the number of games required to win a match (12) from the traditional scoring format. No-Ad scoring will be played (receiver’s choice).
Shorter Warm-Up
Matches will begin precisely 5 minutes from the second player walk-on, leading to a reduction in down time before the beginning of matches.
Shot Clock
A shot clock will be used in between points to ensure strict regulation of the 25-second rule, as well as during set breaks, Medical Time-Outs, and the five-minute countdown from the player walk-on to the first point of the match.
No-Let Rule
The No-Let rule will apply to serves, bringing in an additional element of unpredictability at the start of points.
This rule will also remove any ambiguity over let calling from umpires, ensuring the rule is consistent with normal ‘let’ occurrences during regular point exchanges.
Medical Time-Outs
A limit of 1 medical time out per player per match.
Player Coaching
Players and coaches will be able to communicate at certain points in the match (to be determined), providing additional content and entertainment value for broadcast. Coaches will not be allowed on-court.
