“We should not revolutionize,” says ATP Chairman on future of tennis

“We should not revolutionize,” says ATP Chairman on future of tennis

Tennis has always been a fluid sport, with continuously changing metas on gameplay and rules. Moreover, with the advent of technology, the on-court experience of players has changed drastically in recent times.

Andrea Gaudenzi, the chairman of the ATP, recently commented on the future of tennis and how it could be improved.

Andrea Gaudenzi is convinced with his opinion

Gaudenzi, the chairman of the ATP.

The 47-year-old Italian chief doesn’t want radical changes in the sport, insisting the fundamentals must remain the same. He instead would like changes in the media and data distribution. Also, a shorter format introduced in tennis would be helpful in expanding the reach of the sport. It would beckon otherwise disinterested people to pick up the sport and will certainly see a growth in popularity.

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“I am convinced that we should not revolutionize the rules of tennis even if all ideas are good. We must above all improve in the distribution of news, data, offer short formats outside the field,” said Gaudenzi in an interview with Le Figaro, a French daily.

The top honcho of the ATP contradicted the views of Patrick Mouratoglou, who advocates reform in the rules of tennis. Gaudenzi believes that sticking to the fundamentals of the sport is key to its popularity. He thinks that tennis doesn’t require reform to attract more fans, unlike other sports.

“What is fundamental is the positioning of our sport in the digital world against the other pillars of the entertainment industry,” added Gaudenzi on the need to improve the digital marketing of tennis.

While he does have a point, many tennis fans will likely disagree with his views. Technological changes have been continuously occurring in tennis, with implements like Hawk-Eye being a godsend for the umpires and players. Moreover, technology has enabled accurate data analysis, helping players with their training. Thus, some will feel the need to bring about a change in the rules too. One of the key areas that coaches have wanted reform in is on-court coaching, something touched upon by Mouratoglou.

Also read: “I want to improve everything always,” Rafael Nadal after his third-round victory over Jordan Thompson at the Paris Masters