Innovations, Rules Revealed For 2022 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals

The ATP and Italian Tennis Federation (FIT) on Thursday announced the new innovations and rules for the 2022 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals, the 21-and-under season finale to be played from 8-12 November in Milan.

The event, created to spotlight tennis’ rising talents, continues to evolve. Several of this year’s innovations and rule changes are designed to enhance the flow of the game, including a quicker shot clock and one sit-down per set, while other innovations include off-court coaching and in-game analytics for players and coaches.

Look for the following at the Allianz Cloud in Milan in 2022:

Quicker Shot Clock

• The time in-between points will be shortened to 15 seconds (from the standard 25 seconds) if the server hits an ace, a double fault or if the returner misses the return through forced or unforced error.

One Sit-Down Per Set

• Players will change ends and sit down for 90 seconds after the first three games are played and then again at the end of the set. There will be no changeover after the first game.
• Players will change ends without sitting down before the set-deciding tie-break occurs.
• Players will sit down at the end of the set for 90 seconds; reduced from 120 seconds.

Three-Minute Warm-up

• The on-court warm-up will be three minutes. There will be a one-minute walk-on, three-minute warm-up and one minute to get ready before the first point.

Off-Court Coaching

• Coaching will be permitted at the event on the same basis as applied in the coaching trial on Tour with one addition: A player will be allowed to talk to his coach if his opponent takes a medical time-out or toilet break.

Enhanced Analytics:

• The TennisViz system, in partnership with Tennis Data Innovations, will provide that information directly to a tablet device located in the Player Box area for coaches to use during a match.
• Players and coaches will be provided with data and analytics based on in-match data.

Several innovations that have been introduced at the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals have gone on to be used on the main Tour, including:

• Live Electronic Line Calling
• Video Review (ATP Cup)
• Towel Racks
• Shot Clock
• In-Match Coaching

Ross Hutchins, Tournament Director of the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals, said: “Since its first edition, this event has provided an incredible opportunity to promote the next generation of global icons, while also innovating for the future. We are proud that several innovations first tested in Milan have been implemented on the wider ATP Tour and look forward to continuing the raise the bar for the fans, the players and the sport.”

The ATP Next Gen E-Series will also return in Milan. Learn more about the event and its live finals, which will be played on 12 November and broadcast on Twitch.

To learn more about the 2022 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals and to buy tickets, click here.