Launched in 2017, Next Gen ATP Finals has always stood out as an innovative event and opportunity to experiment new rules which are meant to shorten the matches and make tennis more appealing to younger generations.
In the past editions all matches have been played best of five sets and first-to four, which means that a set is won by the player who first reaches 4 games. At 3-3 the set is decided by a tiebreak. In addition, No-Ad Scoring, known to many as “sudden death”, ensures that no game can exceed 7 points. A no-let rule was introduced in the first edition but was abandoned in 2019.
Another feature which is now widespread across the tour, Electronic Line Calling through Hawk-Eye Live, was actually brought in by the Next Gen Finals. If players can now enjoy the benefits of coaching, it is also due to its successful experimentation in Next Gen Finals, initially via headsets in 2019 and 2020, then from the side-lines in 2021.
Other innovations in the name of time saving have been: shorter warm ups, just one minute, limited medical time out, one per player, shorter bathroom breaks, 3 minutes (plus 2 in case of change of attire). A towel rack has replaced the ball boy towel handing ritual and free fan movement is allowed also during rallies.
Some changes will be introduced this year and are likely to stir debate among players, insiders and fans.
First of all, players will switch sides every three games instead of two. Players will also have to change ends at the end of each set. In a six-game set this change will result in a player serving four times at the same end. When playing indoors this will not be particularly relevant. Whereas, if such change were to be implemented outdoors, where external factors such as sun, wind, shadows can significantly impact the players and the score, serious doubts could be raised. Indeed the rules, which are currently in force and have always characterized tennis, are aimed at ensuring equal playing conditions by equally alternating sides.
Perhaps the most interesting innovation is the reduction of the time limit between points when a point is obtained with an ace, a winning serve or a double fault. The shot clock will count down 15 seconds instead of 25 after the umpire announces the score.
With younger generations and people in general becoming less and less eager to spend hours following a sports event or other forms of entertainment, the governing bodies of various sports are endeavouring to speed up matches and limit pauses. Recently the Major League has introduced a pitch clock and lowered the time between inning breaks.
Experimentation has always been a core value of human progress. Will the new rules be appreciated by players and fans? Just one week is left before the kick off and certainly further curiosity has been aroused.
