Next Gen Finals features wearable technology

The utterly innovative ATP Next Gen Finals featured not just Hawk-Eye Live, a different scoring format, and other changes to rules and standards (including "removing the onus on on ball kids to handle towels) that parted with traditional tournament play. It also incorporated wearable technology that might revolutionize how the game is prepared for and played, were it to be allowed in full on tour and at Grand Slam events.

In a first-ever move, competitors were allowed to use wearable tech (read: data-gathering watches) that let flow numbers that they and their coaches could utilize to review personal performance and make choices regarding strategy with a foe across the net.

As to how this was achieved, SportsBusiness.com had the rundown: "The GPS receiver and inertial sensors in the device will measure velocity and direction, acceleration and force, rotation, body orientation, and will quantify internal load through heart rate. The data from the wearable device, which will only be accessible by each player and those that the player gives access to, will provide accurate maps of movements and actions.

Notably, players could consult a coach at times mid-match, though coaches were not allowed on court. Further, teams were given post-match and -practice reports laden with data points. They could marry that with match footage to further understand the value of the numbers.

and they will also have the opportunity to synchronise the data with match footage to add additional context. One-on-one support from the vendor, which has not been named, will be provided on-site throughout the week.

The event, again staged in Milan, Italy, has Alex de Minaur and Jannik Sinner in the under-21 field's final.