ATP set to introduce ‘shot clock reduction’ rule in 2024, NextGen Finals 2023 to trial it out

The decision for the shot clock before the first serve was introduced in 2018.

ATP set to introduce ‘shot clock reduction’ rule in 2024, NextGen Finals 2023 to trial it out

ATP set to introduce ‘shot clock reduction’ rule (Via tennis.com/user generated content)

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) will be soon enforcing new rules with regards to serve time at the 2023 NextGen Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While a player had 25 seconds on the shot clock, there were no time restrictions in between the first and second serves.

This proved to be a loophole at the tournaments. However, an alternative is going to enforce on a trial basis at the ATP NextGen Finals.

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The association has come up with a good way to manage this loophole. The shot clock reduction rule states,

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A new maximum of eight seconds will be introduced between first and second serves.

This rule applies, not only to faults, but to lets on first or second serves as well. The tournament will take a rule form the previous edition as well. The previous point having only three or fewer shots will bring down the time between points from 25 seconds to 15.

Other rules to be followed at the NextGen Finals

At the NextGen Finals, players must follow not only the reduction of the shot clock rule. The ATP has introduced a few other rules as well to the tournament. These rules are all set up in a trial basis for permanent integration into the tour from the 2024 season onwards.

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The ATP NextGen Finals (Image via Next Gen ATP Finals)

The new rules state that there will be no on court warm up after the coin toss. Separate courts will be set up for pre-match warmup.. The match will start immediately after the coin toss. In order to track biometric data, the players will be allowed wearables during the match. This will help the player good overview of their physical performance and stress response, according to the ATP.

All these rules seem to be making great sense for the better implementation of the sport in general. Prominent names who will appear at the NextGen finals will include Arthur Fils and Dominic Stricker. Abdullah Shelbayh has received a wildcard entry into the event. Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti have withdrawn despite qualification. Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, despite qualification to participate, have been exempt on account of their Nitto ATP Finals qualification.

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