Welcome to Basecamp.

Seven competitors at the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by NEOM were put through their paces Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. ‘Basecamp’ is one of a several innovations being introduced for the latest edition of the 21-and-under event, to be held from 28 November to 2 December.

So what exactly is Basecamp? Similar to the NFL’s Scouting Combine, it is a selection of tailored and general challenges that measure the physical and athletic skills of participants. The tests, which highlight the demands of being a professional tennis player, can be used to showcase the attributes of the ATP Tour’s next generation of tennis stars.

Here is all you need to know about Basecamp’s four challenges:

Vertical Jump

How It Works: Conducted on court using Force Plates, the player stands flat-footed on a mat before jumping and reach as high as they can. The player’s height off the floor will be measured to determine a score.
Attribute Being Measured: Power

Flavio Cobolli does the Vertical Jump in Jeddah. Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour

10-Metre Sprint

How It Works: Conducted on court using timing gates and computer vision sprint assessment technology. From a static start, the player sprints 10 metres between timing gates as fast as possible.
Attributes Being Measured: Acceleration, Speed, Sprint Mechanics

Abdullah Shelbayh performs the 10-Metre Sprint in Jeddah. Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour

5-0-5 Test

How It Works: The player starts on the centre of the baseline, facing the net. Two Light Signals are positioned close to the net, next to each other. If the left-hand Light Signal flashes, the player must run directly left to the side of the court and then back to the centre of the baseline. If the right-hand Light Signal flashes, the player must run directly right to the side of the court and then back to the centre of the baseline.
Attributes Being Measured: Agility, Reaction Time

Dominic Stricker in action during the 5-0-5 Test in Jeddah. Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour

Star Drill

How It Works: Conducted on court using Reactive Light Signals and timing gates. The player begins on the centre of the baseline and completes five out-and-back shuttle runs in a star formation, as fast as possible. The player must face the net at all times, and touch the Reactive Light Signal on the floor at each tip of the star.
Attribute Being Measured: Tennis-specific Movement

Arthur Fils performs the Star Drill in Jeddah. Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour