The Baseline Top 8: ATP Next Gen Finals contenders

The first-ever Next Gen ATP Finals is just around the corner. The event will take place in Milan from November 7-11, featuring eight of the best players on the ATP tour, ages 21 and under.

The ATP has altered the rules for a faster and more fan-friendly entertainment, with changes like a shot clock, no-let rule and sets to four games. While the tournament doesn't award ranking points, an undefeated champion can pocket a whopping $390,000.

The leading points qualifier Alexander Zverev decided not to play Milan because he has made the ATP Finals in London field (which starts a week later).

Here are the seven direct qualifiers from the Race to Milan:

1

Andrey Rublev (world No. 35)

The Russian won Umag’s clay-court title in July and got to the the US Open quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Rafael Nadal. With Zverev out, Rublev will come in as the favorite.

2

Karen Khachanov (world No. 42)

Khachanov, another talented young Russian, boasts a lot of power, In June, he defeated Rublev on Halle’s fast grass court in three exciting sets. He’s also scored wins over John Isner at the French Open and David Goffin at Barcelona.

3

Denis Shapovalov (world No. 49)

The Canadian lefty created his first big splash by defeating Rafael Nadal on his way to the Rogers Cup final. He followed that up with a fourth-round appearance at the US Open, with wins over Daniil Medvendev, Kyle Edmund and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

4

Jared Donaldson (world No. 50)

Donaldson has been the most consistent young player in 2017 with quiet, measured progress. He claimed nine wins during the US Open Series from Atlanta to New York. The 21-year-old trailed fellow American Frances Tiafoe for most of the season, but edged ahead at the right time to make Milan.

5

Borna Coric (world No. 54)

The Croatian is perhaps the most talented young baseliner who has scored victories over both Nadal and Andy Murray. He also defeated Zverev in the second round at the US Open. Coric was ranked as high as No. 33 in 2015 when he was just 18 years old.

6

Hyeon Chung (world No. 57)

Hailing from South Korea, Chung has shown flashes of huge potential, like when he made a run to the Barcelona quarterfinals. He took the first set to a tiebreaker against Nadal before bowing out. His biggest win in 2017 came against Goffin at the Rogers Cup.

7

Daniil Medvedev (world No. 67)

The third Russian in the draw, the 6’6”  Medvedev got to the final in Chennai to kick off his 2017 season. His biggest win this year was a first-round Wimbledon victory over Stan Wawrinka. Last week, he delighted his home country by making the quarterfinals at the Kremlin Cup.

8

To Be Determined

The final qualifying spot will be awarded to the winner of a qualifying tournament taking place between Italian players under the age of 21. The champion will be decided on November 5.