Fans enjoy fanzone fun in Jeddah | ATP tour

Next generation ATP finals

A Global Gathering: Enjoying the Fun at the Fan Zone in Jeddah

Off-field entertainment is a popular aspect during Saudi Arabia

December 19, 2024

Saudi Tennis Federation

Alex Michelsen signs a ball for a young fan on Thursday during the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.
By ATP staff

Fans will come from far and wide to Jeddah for the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals, presented by PIF.

The 20-and-under event has already provided many memorable moments on the pitch this week, with sublime shotmaking, group stage upsets and plenty of unique moments thanks to the innovative rules of the game. While some of the action from the stands are die-hard tennis fans, the tournament has also attracted newcomers to the sport.

“It's nice here; I like the weather and the fan zone,” Omar Binsawad from Jeddah, who attended the session (with top seed Arthur Fils) on Thursday evening with his nine-year-old son, told ATPTour.com. “I am very excited to experience tennis for the first time and introduce my son to a sport other than football. I want him to see other opportunities in other sports. It looks beautiful here.

“I'm not a big fan of tennis. I play padel, which is a bit different, but it's great that there are tennis activities here in Jeddah now, so it's an opportunity for us, and a chance for my son to see other sports. I think he might like it.”

Fans play mini tennis in Jeddah on Thursday. Photo credit: Saudi Tennis Federation

During play breaks, ticket holders went to the Next Gen ATP Finals, presented by PIF fanzone, to grab a bite to eat, play mini tennis or enjoy a musical extravaganza with DJs and dancers. They will also have the chance to meet some of the ATP Tour stars competing in Jeddah: on Thursday, Alex Michelsen signed autographs for fans after sealing his place in the semi-finals with victory against Luca Van Assche.

Fans watch a DJ performance on Thursday in the Next Gen ATP Finals, presented by PIF fanzone. Photo credit: Saudi Tennis Federation

Among those present in the fan zone on Thursday evening were seven friends from Manila – Alfie, Billy, Bogs, Dima, Fahar, Joe and Mike – all of whom are members of Tennis Club Makkah in the Philippine capital. Although they are all passionate about playing the sport, watching top-level tennis in Jeddah was a new experience for some members of the group.

“It's the first time I've seen tennis live,” said Alfie. “[Roger] Federer is my favorite player ever, but here my favorite is Shang Juncheng. The fan zone is cool. I like it here.”

Members of Tennis Club Makkah in Manila, the Philippines, pose for a photo in the Jeddah fan zone. Photo credit: Andy West/ATP tour

In addition to Shang, Alfie is also a big fan of another left-hander: Rafael Nadal. He didn't hesitate when asked which of the Spaniard's qualities he most admired.

“Federer and Nadal, 'Fedal', are my favorite players. Nadal was so fearless. The way he played was so full of energy and power. With all his technique and energy he was fantastic,” said Alfie, although he also acknowledged he had a unique personal reason for being attracted to left-handers such as Spaniard and Chinese #NextGenATP star Shang. “I like lefties because of my weakness [when I play] plays left-handed!”

Billy, who was recently elected club president of Tennis Club Makkah, added: “This is the second time members of the club have come to Jeddah. Last year we were here for the Next Gen finals. We are all from the Philippines and love to play tennis. Now we are here. The stadium is great and the weather is great.”

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