Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan to test new rules
ATP
Next week's Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan will once again act as a test event for some new rules to be trialled.
The event, first launched in 2017, will see the introduction of a reduced shot clock, from 25 to 15 seconds between points when a point is obtained with an ace, a winning serve or a double fault.
As it is with the 25 seconds now, the time will begin after the umpire announces the score, and the hope is that if - like some other rules experimented at the Next Gen in the past - the implementation of the shortened clock works, it can be introduced into the main tour.
The thinking behind the shortened clock is to try and attract a younger generation to the sport, with people in general becoming less eager to spend hours following a sporting event.
Also in Milan, the number of games before switching sides is to be changed.
Normally, players will change ends after every two games, but in Milan they will switch every three games.
Players will also have to change ends at the end of each set.
The Next Gen Finals has always been a pioneer is trying out rules that have then found their way into ATP events the next year.
One big success has been that of Electronic Line Calling through Hawk-Eye Live, which was first trialled at the Next Gen.
Same with on-court coaching, initially tested via headsets in 2019 and 2020, then from the side-lines in 2021.
This event also has a unique match set-up.
Matches are 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.
