The governing body of men’s tennis has issued a public apology over the controversial draw ceremony for the Next Generation Finals which took place on Sunday evening.
Allegations of sexism erupted concerning the draw, which featured female models having letters hidden on their body. The players then had to locate the locate the letter ‘A’ or ‘B’ in order to discover what group they will play in. South Korea’s Hyeon Chung was required to remove a one of the models gloves with his teeth.
The aim of the tournament organizers was to link in Milan’s reputation as a world powerhouse in fashion. Milan is the host of the inaugural event, which featured the best players in the world under the age of 21. The event is run by the ATP in partnership with the Italian Tennis Federation and National Olympic Committee. Shortly after the conclusion of the draw, critics such as former world No.1 Amelie Mauresmo and Judy Murray slammed the event.
Disgrace… https://t.co/5FnC45wUx7
— AmelieMauresmo (@AmeMauresmo) 6 November 2017
Awful. https://t.co/ECMf0tA7WC
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) November 6, 2017
Good job @ATPWorldTour Supposed to be a futurist event right ? #backtozero https://t.co/CYWQJaEezA
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) November 6, 2017
According to British media sources, the ATP was reportedly ‘furious’ about how the draw was conducted. Although it remains unclear as to what specific party was responsible for overseeing the ceremony. In a joint-statement with Red Ball, they apologised for any offence caused.
“ATP and Red Bull apologise for the offence caused by the draw ceremony for the Next Gen ATP Finals,” said a statement.
“The intention was to integrate Milan’s rich heritage as one of the fashion capitals of the world. However, our execution of the proceedings was in poor taste and unacceptable.
“We deeply regret this and will ensure that there is no repeat of anything like it in the future.”
The ATP Finals are a round-robin event that features a series of innovative new rules. Unlike other tournaments, there will be no service lets, a clock on court for players to monitor their time between points and sudden death deuces. Matches will also be best-of-five sets with the first player to reach four games in each set.
Group A features Andrey Rublev, Denis Shapovalov, Chung and Quinzi. Meanwhile Group B includes Borna Coric, Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov and Jared Donaldson. The two top players of each group will progress to the semifinals.
The tournament will start on Tuesday.
The ATP NextGen Milan draw ceremony made players select models to determine their groups. Stunningly uncomfortable, cringeworthy and trashy. pic.twitter.com/g63OfK5IOK
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) November 5, 2017
