The Next Gen ATP Finals will showcase a new generation of tennis talent from December 17 to 21, 2025, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Among those competing are Learner Tien and Alexander Blockx, both poised to follow in the footsteps of stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, former champions of the event. This year’s tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Tien and Blockx are part of a competitive field that includes seven other promising players: Dino Prizmic, Martin Landaluce, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, Nishesh Basavareddy, Rafael Jodar, and Justin Engel. Each participant brings unique achievements and experiences to the tournament, reflecting the bright future of men’s tennis.
Notable Competitors in Jeddah
Learner Tien, aged 20, has rapidly ascended through the ranks, securing his first ATP Tour title in Metz. Under the mentorship of Michael Chang, Tien has defeated several high-profile players, including Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. Currently ranked No 28 in the world, Tien’s performance in 2025 has made him a key player to watch.
Alexander Blockx, also 20, rose to prominence as a junior champion before claiming his second ATP Challenger Tour title in Oeiras early this year. After qualifying for the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami, Blockx achieved a career-high ranking of No 101 in November, marking his steady progress on the professional circuit.
Dino Prizmic, another 20-year-old contestant, made headlines by winning the French Open boys’ singles title and later securing an ATP Challenger Tour title. Prizmic’s ability to compete at a high level was highlighted by his performance against Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
Martin Landaluce, at 19 years old, is a former US Open boys’ singles champion. He has made significant strides in his career, qualifying for the Australian Open and winning a main draw match at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati.
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, also 19, has captured four ATP Challenger Tour titles this year. The 2024 Wimbledon boys’ champion is now ranked No 132, showcasing his potential and determination in the sport.
Nishesh Basavareddy, 20, has benefited from mentorship by Rajeev Ram and reached the semi-finals at the ATP 250 in Auckland earlier this year. He joins Tien as the second American in the competition.
Rafael Jodar, 19, returns to Jeddah with a breakthrough season under his belt. After serving as a hitting partner last year, Jodar climbed from outside the Top 900 to a ranking of No 167, thanks to three ATP Challenger Tour titles.
Finally, Justin Engel, the youngest competitor at 18, is set to make his debut at the tournament. He gained attention for his impressive quarter-final run at the ATP 250 in Stuttgart and has made history as the first player born in 2007 to win a Challenger title.
Anticipation for the Next Gen ATP Finals
The Next Gen ATP Finals not only highlights emerging talent but also serves as a platform for players to gain valuable experience in a competitive environment. With a host of exciting matches expected, the tournament promises to be a showcase of future stars who may soon become household names in the world of tennis.
Live coverage of the event will be available for fans through Sky Sports, allowing viewers to witness the next chapter of men’s tennis unfold in Jeddah.
