We're almost there: the ATP Next Generation Finals, which will see the 8 best under-21 players on the international tennis scene face off. This year, the Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer is strengthening its presence in the world of tennis thanks to a partnership with the Italian Tennis Federation (FIT) by becoming the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the innovative end-of-season event that brings the future stars of the ATP World Tour on stage. From this year TAG Heuer is partner of the Next Gen ATP Finals, the event will be held from 6 to 10 November at Milano Fiera (Rho). The new partnership was unveiled last Friday 19 October in Milan during a press conference attended by FIT President Angelo Binaghi, ATP Executive Chairman & President Chris Kermode and Dominic Wolz, TAG Heuer's Sponsoring Director, among other personalities. This partnership will see TAG Heuer, known for its technical, aesthetic and commercial revolutions over its nearly 160 years of existence, integrate the Hawkeye Live Technology with the TAG Heuer Connected watch, on the wrists of the referees officiating the tournament. TAG Heuer will also provide the in-court clock and the Shot Clock, which marks the maximum 25 seconds that can elapse between points. A definitely #dontcrackunderpressure phase of the game. The presence of a TAG Heuer Shot Clock at the tournament is a natural step for a brand that has been a partner in the most intense and exciting sporting events around the world, timing champions as they push their limits, achieve the impossible and never give in to pressure. Angelo Binaghi, President of the Italian Tennis Federation, says: "The Next Gen ATP Finals are honoured that TAG Heuer has joined this exciting and innovative event that brings the future stars of tennis to the stage. Despite being only in its second year, this tournament has already gained global interest due to its innovative approach in presenting the sport in its developmental stage. The Italian Tennis Federation is ready for a new edition of the Finals together with ATP and Coni Servizi with the support of the Fondazione Fiera Milano, Ente Fiera, Regione Lombardia and the Municipality of Milan. We believe that this event will not only be very exciting, but will also fully address the need to produce a great stage for future global tennis champions. We are also convinced that the Next Gen ATP Finals will confirm Milan as a strategic city for the national and international tennis movement." TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver said: "We are very happy to be a partner of such an innovative, alternative and young event as the Next Gen ATP Finals. We share the same values and strongly believe in the future of these young talents full of promise, like our Friend of the Brand Denis Shapovalov. Our role as Official Timekeeper attests to our expertise as timekeepers at some of the world's most important sporting events." Many of the world's promising players have already secured a place in the exclusive end-of-season event. Canadian Shapovalov, who once again takes top honours in the ATP Race in Milan, is a TAG Heuer Friend of the Brand, adding to the brand's long list of legendary sports ambassadors. The Canadian tennis player said: "I congratulate TAG Heuer for becoming the Official Timekeeper of the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan. Last year I qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals and it was a memorable experience. As a TAG Heuer Brand Ambassador, I am thrilled that I chose to support the Next Gen Finals which are an important showcase for the younger generation of the ATP to showcase their talent and skills to the world." In addition to TAG Heuer's involvement with the on-court clock, 25-second Shot Clock, Live Hawkeye technology combined with the TAG Heuer Connected Watch used by the umpires, the 2018 Next Gen ATP Finals will include several other innovations successfully implemented during last year's first edition. Innovations that will include the best-of-five set match with shorter sets to four (tie-break on 3-all). The abolition of "Let" and coaching allowed via earphones. The warm-up will be further reduced by one minute (from 5 to 4) from the time the second player enters the court. Players will use a towel rack positioned at the end of the court to relieve the ball boys of the burden of handing them towels. As last year, the public will be allowed to move freely during the game and the limit of one medical time-out per game will also remain.
