Matches couldn’t be faster: regulatory revolution in Stricker’s Saudi adventure

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Will Dominic Stricker (21) follow in the footsteps of Carlos Alcaraz (20), Jannik Sinner (22) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (25)? All three top stars, who have now become an integral part of the world’s elite, have won the NextGen finals at some point. This year, Stricker can and should be counted among the top favorites at the end-of-year tournament for young people under 21.

Since Alcaraz, Holger Rune (20), Ben Shelton (21) and Lorenzo Musetti (21) all canceled due to injuries or other commitments, the balance of power has shifted. Only the French Arthur Fils (19, ATP 36) and Luca Van Aasche (19, ATP 70) are ranked better than Stricker, who is in 94th place. And the Bernese has already shown this year in Gstaad that he can beat Fils (7:6, 7:6).

Anyone who remains undefeated in the round-robin stage and beyond can collect a maximum prize pool of as much as $514,000. That would be a huge amount compared to Stricker’s total bonuses in 2023 ($631,145). His participation in the Saudi metropolis of Jeddah alone earns him $150,000.

Stress about the shot clock

The tournament will not only cause a stir with entry prices, it will also be a place for innovations and experiments, according to the ATP.

This means that players can read biometric data and their stress levels during their games. And speaking of stress, the 25-second shot clock between points, familiar to normal tennis activities, is greatly reduced. Maximum eight (!) seconds between the first and second serve. And up to 15 seconds if the previous rally lasted less than three strokes.

Just like last year, when Stricker sensationally reached the semi-finals, the sets are for a maximum of four games (tiebreak at 3:3), without an advantage rule. What is new, however, is that the coaches on the sidelines are also provided with real-time data and video material. And the match experience must also be made more spectacular and efficient for tennis fans. This means that there is no more warm-up for the players on the field, which means: as soon as the cracks appear, it starts immediately.

The referee suddenly sits lower

And to give spectators a better view, the referee’s chair has even been lowered. Fans are also allowed to move freely anywhere in the stadium – except behind the baselines.

In Jeddah, one small rule revolution follows another in the traditional sport of tennis. And history has shown that previous NextGen experiments can actually become permanent tour rules. Since the first event in 2017, in addition to the shot clock, the abolition of linesmen has also become a fact.

Source : Blick