ATP and Red Bull apologise for offence caused by NextGen Finals draw in Milan
Written by News on 06/11/2017
The ATP and Red Bull have issued an apology after criticism surrounded Sunday’s draw ceremony for the inaugural NextGen Finals in Milan.
Eight of the world’s leading U21 players are taking part in the event, which mirrors the ATP Finals, and they were in the Italian fashion capital to find out what group they would be playing in at this week’s event.
Each of them was asked to select a female model, with the model then revealing their group letter to the audience at the end of the catwalk.
One lifted her dress to show an ‘A’ on her thigh while another took off her jacket and showed a ‘B’ on her back, with a number of the players appearing uncomfortable as they were danced around.
Andy Murray’s former coach Amelie Mauresmo tweeted a video of the draw on Twitter along with the simple caption "disgrace" while Judy Murray did the same, commenting that is was "awful".
France’s world No 38 Alize Cornet added: "Good job @ATPWorldTour. Supposed to be a futurist event right? #backtozero"
The ceremony was sponsored by Red Bull, and a joint statement read: "ATP and Red Bull apologise for the offence caused by the draw ceremony for the Next Gen ATP Finals.
"The intention was to integrate Milan’s rich heritage as one of the fashion capitals of the world.
"However, our execution of the proceedings was in poor taste and unacceptable. We deeply regret this and will ensure that there is no repeat of anything like it in the future."
(c) Sky News 2017: ATP and Red Bull apologise for offence caused by NextGen Finals draw in Milan
