ATP CEO says younger players may top Roger Federer, Nadal in 2019

In a column for Gulf News, the ATP Chief Executive and President Chris Kermode analyzed the 2018 season and also spoke about the 2019 season. This year a lot of young players won titles including Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov, and next year many others may breakthrough over the veteran ones, it means Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. 'As we look ahead to the 2019 season, we can look forward to another fascinating chapter unfolding in our great sport,' wrote Kermode. 'Men’s professional tennis has had a remarkable ability over the years to consistently produce compelling storylines, and 2019 promises to be no different. We are fortunate to be witnessing an intriguing transitional period in the men’s game: on the one hand, we have global icons who are standing firm at the top of the game; and on the other, a talented wave of younger players, led by the likes of Zverev, Tsitsipas, Karen Khachanov and many more who look set to pick up the mantle for years to come. Will 2019 be the year that the next generation breaks through on the biggest stages in our sport? It will be fascinating to see how it all plays out, and we hope you join us in 2019 for what promises to be another thrilling season.'

Kermode also revealed some details about the ATP calendar: 'Further steps will be taken over the coming months to determine the future of the Nitto ATP Finals beyond 2020, with a final shortlist of future host city candidates to be announced in mid-December. The season-ending event has enjoyed a spectacular run at The O2 in London over the past 10 years, and there has been major worldwide interest in where it will be held after 2020, with 40 cities across 29 countries expressing interest.'

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from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2zA92w7