The Next Gen ATP Finals are set to commence in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, showcasing the brightest young talents in men’s tennis. Learner Tien of the United States emerges as the standout favorite, entering the tournament as the top seed and world No. 28. After finishing as the runner-up to João Fonseca last year, Tien aims to capture the coveted title during his first full season on the ATP Tour.
The tournament features eight players aged 20 and under, though notable entrants Jakub Menšík from Czechia and Brazil’s Fonseca, who ranked first and second in the ‘Race to Jeddah,’ have had to withdraw due to injury. Their absence allows Rafael Jodar from Spain and Justin Engel from Germany, the latter being the youngest competitor at just 18, to step in. Jodar, having recently claimed two consecutive ATP Challenger Tour titles, is eager to make his mark on this elite stage.
With the withdrawals creating shifts, the competition remains fierce. Tien will face Jodar in his opening match while Engel is set to compete against Alexander Blockx, ranked No. 116. Other matches feature Croatian star Dino Prižmić taking on Nishesh Basavareddy from the U.S., while Martin Landaluce and Nicolai Budkov Kjær of Norway will round out the day’s encounters.
The tournament format has been designed to foster intense competition, with players divided into two groups. Matches will consist of best-of-five sets with unique scoring rules aimed at increasing pace and excitement. Notably, players will only need to win four games to take a set, with tiebreaks introduced at 3-3.
Last year, Fonseca claimed victory by defeating Tien in the final, marking the tournament’s shift to solely featuring players 20 and under. This new approach highlights the rising talents in the sport and offers a glimpse into the future of men’s tennis.
As each player stands to earn a minimum of $154,000 just for participating, with potential winnings reaching over $500,000 for an undefeated champion, the stakes are high. The event not only promises thrilling matches but also seeks to inspire the next generation of tennis stars. All eyes will be on Jeddah as these young athletes take to the court and aim to leave a lasting impression on the sport.