ATP NextGen Finals: Great Idea, Poor Execution

by Jeremy Davis | November 8th, 2017, 11:39 am
  • 11 Comments

I’m pumped up to watch the ATP’s NextGen Finals this week featuring the top players in the world age 21 and under. What, it’s not being shown on Tennis Channel in the U.S., but I can pay an online streaming service to watch it?
ADHEREL
Pfah.

Can I go online to watch that sexist strip show they called a draw party?

I read that the opening match was postponed because they were still putting together the temporary stadium in Milan?


What a shit show.

The ATP NextGen Finals is a brilliant idea that the WTA should immediately copy next year. The women’s tour more than anyone needs to get their next generation of stars out from. The ATP’s NextGen is a showcase for guys that are going to be Top 10 in a couple years. Or No. 1.

Don’t believe me? Alexander Zverev qualified for the event but pulled out because he also qualified for the big-boy year-end event — the ATP Finals featuring the Top 8 players in the world. The younger Zverev has No. 1 written all over his game.

Old 30-somethings Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka — they’ll be out of the game in 2-3 years. They’ll be retired or forced to retire with injuries, which almost all of them battled in 2017. Eventually bad knees or shoulders put you out for good.

So while I’m not watching the NextGen Finals this week — because it’s not being shown in the U.S. and I’m not paying tennis extortion fees to watch it online — I hope it’s on TV next year, ATP and Tennis Channel. Because even great ideas that are out of sight are also out of mind for tennis fans.


You Might Like:
Alcaraz Cruises Past Korda For NextGen Milan Title
After Rocky Start, ATP NextGen Finals Begin Tuesday Led By Russians Rublev, Khachanov
ATP Under Fire For “Sexist” NextGen Finals Draw Ceremony In Milan
Thiem Sends French Warning Shot with Nice Title
Caroline Wozniacki: The ATP Has Roger, Rafa And Novak, But We Have Fans Too!

Read more stories about: Tennis
Don't miss any tennis action, stay connected with Tennis-X

Get the FREE TX daily newsletter

« »

11 Comments for ATP NextGen Finals: Great Idea, Poor Execution

Margot Says:

Good to see Chung doing so well, really like his game. Not as flashy as some of the next gen., but very effective.

November 8th, 2017 at 11:45 am


lylenubbins Says:

Totally agree, I would love to see this on tv. Crazy it’s not on Tennis Channel.

November 8th, 2017 at 1:08 pm


Pamela Says:

It sucks that we can’t watch it in the states… why would they not put it on the tennis channel?

November 8th, 2017 at 1:13 pm


NOSCA Says:

You can watch it FREE from Amazon Prime. It is not well advertised, so few people know!

November 8th, 2017 at 1:19 pm


Deidre Says:

Should live in Canada where we get to see it for free!

November 8th, 2017 at 5:27 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Why wasn’t I invited? I am 19 years old in my mind.

November 9th, 2017 at 7:24 pm


Margot Says:

Rublev through to the final unbeaten. YAY! Really like his game. Very promising young player. Very mature and honest in interview.
Let’s see if Chung, another favourite of mine, cam join him.

November 10th, 2017 at 3:22 pm


Margot Says:

And Chung does.
Hope lack of interest on tx isn’t reflected in the wider tennis loving public, because if it is…..tennis will become even more of a minority sport than it is at the moment.

November 11th, 2017 at 2:07 am


tennismonger Says:

Thank you Amazon Prime!

I caught a few games and while you could appreciate that it was a talented group of guys, NextGen is in dire need of a serve & volleyer! Just my 2 cents.

One other observation: NextGen will carry their own bags but they will NOT play for 3rd place…LOL!

November 11th, 2017 at 11:57 pm


Margot Says:

And Chung beat Rublev in a terrific final. Both potentially top 5 I’d say. The best kind of match when you’re wating a defensive player against a more aggressive player. Along with Shap, if he can learn a bit of patience.
Didn’t like the shortened sets or the one point decider after deuce but loved the no let rule. The main tour should adopt that.
tennismonger: Wonder if they even teach s and v these days? Tho I think Rublev and Shap certainly play aggressively and could s and v in different circumstances.

November 12th, 2017 at 3:31 am


tennismonger Says:

Marot: Alas, when an S&V payer emerges on the tour these days it’s but a freak accident (such as the older Zverev).

I agree with your observation of Chung & Rublev – they were clearly a cut above the rest. I’m intrigued by Shap – there’s your budding S&V player + he’s very solid off the ground. Coric was looking much better as a junior player…he appears to be very disciplined but if he’s not careful he’ll be Bosnia’s answer to Ryan Harrison…

Snarky, I know – but I couldn’t resist!

November 12th, 2017 at 10:25 am

Top story: Sinner Settles With WADA, Accepts 3-Month Ban, Won't Miss Rome, Won't Miss French Open
Most Recent story: Frustrated Nick Kyrgios Calls Sinner Ban A "Sad Day For Tennis"