The Next Gen ATP Finals tournament in Milan this week has delivered on its promise to be different from tennis as usual. Whether that’s for better or worse is still up for debate.
The event, created this year to showcase young talent in men’s tennis, featured seven players born in 1996 or later who earned the most ranking points during the season and one Italian wild card from the same age range. It is a lucrative exhibition. There are no ranking points awarded, but players receive $50,000 for participating. An undefeated champion would earn $390,000.
Eligible players quickly bought into the concept when it was announced, with many contenders closely tracking the standings week to week.