Fabio Fognini has launched a scathing attack on the ATP’s Next Generation campaign following his win at the French Open on Thursday.

The 31-year-old, who defeated Elias Ymer in straight sets during his second round match at Roland Garros, has criticised the hype surrounding the Next Gen. An initiative set up by the ATP to promote and support players under the age of 21 on the men’s tour. Those in the age group ranked in the top 200 are billed as the ‘next generation’ of stars on the men’s tour. Something that Fognini has voiced his opposition to.

“This NextGen thing is bullshit, I didn’t like all the attention that this initiative has attracted.” The Italian No.1 said in Paris.

“Years ago Rafa was winning Paris at 18, now we have (Denis) Shapovalov who is 25 in the world, he is improving a lot but he plays the first match on Suzanne Lenglen and the second on Court 1. When I see the order of play I am stunned at seeing that Muguruza-Kuznetsova, for example, play somewhere else.”

Fognini’s blunt comments was made in front of Nicola Arzani. The vice president of communication for the ATP. Caught off guard by the remarks, Arzani was less than amused by what Fognini said. His mood deteriorated further when Fognini continued to speak about against the concept.

“The ATP does many good things, but I don’t agree with this one, I don’t understand this NextGen thing. I don’t agree to all this attention given to these young players.” He stated.

Last year Milan hosted the inaugural ATP NextGen finals. An end-of-year tournament that features the eight highest ranked players under the age of 21. Alexander Zverev was the only one not to play after qualifying for the Tour Finals, which followed the week after. It was won by South Korea’s Hyeon Chung.

The world No.18 stressed that his issue wasn’t with the players, but with how the governing body of men’s tennis are managing them. Calling it a ‘frenzy’ in the sport. For Fognini, players must earn the right to receive attention.

“They play well, Khachanov, Rublev, Zverev, Shapovalov, they all play well, But there is such a frenzy about them, I don’t like it, I don’t agree.” Fognini explained. “If someone plays well, he is going to get attention anyway. Winning 10-8 in the fifth on court 27, you have to go through that, not playing Federer on Chatrier.

“They have to eat more pasta, run and win matches.”

Currently there are eight players in the top 100 that belong to the Next Generation movement. World No.3 Zverev is the only one ranked in the top 20.

Fognini will take on Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund in the third round of the French Open on Saturday.