The association of professional tennis players ATP and sponsor Red Bull have been accused of sexism with an embarrassing opening ceremony.
The draw for the ATP final of the so-called “NextGen” in Milan (7. till 12. November) on Sunday evening, the young professionals had to choose models who hid signs for groups A and B behind their backs. As a result, current and former players in particular expressed their resentment about the ATP.
“Good job, ATP. Should it be a futuristic event, right?”, asked the world rankings-38. Alize Cornet from France with clapping hands emojis on Twitter. Her countrywoman Amelie Mauresmo, who resigned in 2009, twice Grand Slam winner, called the event a “disgrace”.
Our intention was to integrate Milan’s rich heritage as one of the world’s fashion capitals into our ceremony. However, the implementation was distasteful and unacceptable,”the communication said.
The South Korean Chung Hyeon even had to take off a model’s glove with his teeth. As Alexander Zverev (Hamburg), the new third in the world ranking list, will be competing one week later at the ATP final in London, no German will be competing in Milan.
Andrey Rublev (Russia) and Denis Shapovalov (Canada) are among the hottest contenders for the title. In Group A, the second half of the season’s starters will face Hyeon Chung and Gianluigi Quinzi, who secured his place on the grid with a win at the qualifying tournament for Italian U21 players.
Group B is headed by Karen Kachanov. The 21-year-old Russian is confronted with fellow countryman Daniil Medvedev as well as Jared Donaldson (USA) and Borna Coric (Croatia).