In a historic move, Saudi Arabia has taken centre stage as the host city for the Next Gen ATP Finals. This year’s end-of-season tournament will span five days, taking place at the King Abdullah Sports City on an indoor hard court from November 28 to December 2.
The event not only represents the inaugural international tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia but also underscores the country’s steadfast commitment to expanding the ATP Tour’s presence in the Middle East.
As the tennis world eagerly awaits the kick-off of the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, key contenders, the No. 2 Swiss player Dominic Stricker and the No. 5 Serbian Hamad Medjedovic, have shared their perspectives with Esquire Middle East. Both players express their eagerness to compete in Saudi Arabia.
A Grand Debut
Both Stricker and Medjedovic will be competing at the Next Gen ATP Finals, as the country hosts its inaugural international tennis tournament.
Reflecting on his participation, Stricker said, “I know that the population in Saudi Arabia is very young. Tennis is a traditional sport that needs to stay close to young fans. The ATP has been very innovative, and the Next Gen ATP Finals are a great initiative to reach younger crowds.”
Medjedovic, speaking on his participation, highlights the uniqueness of the event: “It is the first time that a professional tennis event is being held in Jeddah. We have seen pictures and videos of the city, and we look forward to seeing it live. Also, I am curious about the culture and the food of this country.”
Record-Breaking Prize Money
Both players recognize the significance of the tournament offering a record-breaking US $2 million prize money. Stricker shares his perspective, saying, “As I look ahead to 2024 and plan for the upcoming season, I also need to plan my setup and decide who will be on my team. It will be important to invest the money well and make sure I do the best for my career. Competing against the best Next Gen players in the world is a great challenge, and good preparation for 2024, and I can’t wait to step on the court in Jeddah.”
Meanwhile Medjedovic emphasizes the financial impact, stating, “Our activity is really expensive, and tennis is a sport in which each player bears his own costs. Being rewarded at the end of the year for being among the best young players is important, as it gives us a financial boost to start the new season with a coach and a fitness trainer. And of course, I will go to win.”
Adapting to Rule Changes and Innovations
Innovations and rules have been unveiled for the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals. Changes for 2023 are set to accelerate the event’s fast-paced format, enhance the fan experience, and enrich data and analytics for players, coaches, and fans.
Players acknowledge the impact of rule changes tested at the Next Gen ATP Finals. Stricker comments on the rule changes tested at the Next Gen ATP Finals, saying, “As we can see, several rules that were initially tested at the Next Gen ATP Finals have now been implemented on Tour. We had to get used to taking care of our towels, being on time with the shot clock without feeling stressed out, and now we are allowed to talk to our coach, something I only knew from Davis Cup. I think it’s great to ensure that our sport is modern and appealing to young audiences.”
However, Medjedovic expressed his concerns, stating, “I think sometimes 25 seconds between points is a bit short, especially when you need to pick up your own towel. At the same time, I understand that fans want to see action, and tennis often has extended periods without the ball in play. Having only 15 seconds, as it is in Jeddah, will be a real challenge. I hope someone will throw a towel to me when I am sweating.”
Showcasing Young Talent
The Next Gen ATP Finals, launched in 2017, showcases the top players aged 21 and under in a dynamic year-end format. Nine current Top 10 players have previously competed in the tournament, highlighting its role in showcasing future tennis stars. Past champions like Tsitsipas, Sinner, and Alcaraz have used the event as a catalyst for success in their careers.
Discussing the Next Gen ATP Finals as a platform for showcasing young talent, Stricker reflects on his previous experience, “Milan was one of the highlights of last year’s season for me and my team. The atmosphere was amazing, and it felt very special to compete in front of my family and the passionate Italian fans. My win against Lorenzo Musetti meant a lot to me. Showcasing young talent is important for the sport and will help tennis reach young fans.”
Medjedovic echoes this sentiment, saying, “If I look back at the past events, most of the top 20 players of today have gone through the Next Gen finals, so it is very special and motivating at the same time. For the public, it is a great possibility to see top players in the making.”
Tickets are now available visit www.nextgen2023tickets.com.