ATP Under Fire For “Sexist” NextGen Finals Draw Ceremony In Milan

The ATP had to issue an apology for the questionable draw ceremony for the NextGen finals which was held yesterday in Milan.

The draw featured models interacting with the players during the draw, some of which drew much criticism. The players even picked between models to determine groupings then walked together down the catwalk.

In these sensitive times, it didn’t go over well on social media.

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

Andy Murray’s mother, Judy, wasn’t impressed at all.

Awful. https://t.co/ECMf0tA7WC

— judy murray (@JudyMurray) November 6, 2017

Nor was Amelie Mauresmo.

Disgrace… https://t.co/5FnC45wUx7

— AmelieMauresmo (@AmeMauresmo) November 6, 2017

Or Billie Jean King.

The objectification of women has no place in sports. #DoBetter #genderequality https://t.co/PpjPNXjGYm

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 6, 2017

Amid the backlash, the ATP issued this apology: “ATP and Red Bull apologise for the offence caused by the draw ceremony for the Next Gen ATP Finals. 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.”

However for some, it wasn’t enough. One fan wrote a lengthy complaint to the ATP and urged others to also send in their dissapointing via the ATP website:

I have complained via the @ATPWorldTour website about the misogyny of the #NextGenATP draw.@TennisPodcast @CWhitakerSport @BenRothenberg pic.twitter.com/vo1hVh4yD0

— Vicki Spreadbury (@vickispreadbury) November 6, 2017

Perhaps all this controversy will add some spark to the inaugural event which begins tomorrow.

Group A
Andrey Rublev
Denis Shapovalov
Hyeon Chung
Gianluigi Quinzi

Group B
Karen Khachanov
Borna Coric
Jared Donaldson
Daniil Medvedev