As the tennis calendar winds down, the spotlight shifts to the Next Gen ATP Finals - a proving ground for the sport’s rising stars. This year’s edition, set for December 17-21 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, brings together the top eight players aged 20 or younger. It’s a glimpse into the future of men’s tennis, and the field is stacked with talent ready to make their mark.
Let’s break down the lineup, ranked from top to bottom:
- Jakub Mensik
- Learner Tien
- Alexander Blockx
- Dino Prizmic
- Martin Landaluce
- Nikolai Budkov Kjaer
- Nishesh Basavareddy
- Rafael Jodar
This group isn’t just young - they’re hungry, battle-tested, and increasingly fearless on the big stage. And for two of them, this won’t be their first rodeo. Jakub Mensik and Learner Tien are returning to the Next Gen Finals after debuting last year, and their history adds some intrigue to this year’s event.
Tien, the left-handed American, got the better of Mensik in their round-robin clash a year ago, edging him out in a fifth-set tiebreaker. That match was one of two heartbreakers for Mensik, who also lost in a fifth-set breaker to Joao Fonseca, leaving him winless in Jeddah after falling to Arthur Fils as well. Tien, on the other hand, rode that momentum all the way to the final, where he ultimately fell to Fonseca.
Reflecting on the experience, Tien spoke candidly at the Paris Masters about the challenges of breaking through at this level. “I think a lot of the younger guys are doing well,” he said.
“Sometimes it’s tough - and people come out a little better than others during the first year, as they don’t really know how a lot of the new stuff can go. But the young guys do a good job of pushing each other.
Everyone wants to catch the ‘top guy.’ It’s been great all the young guys pushing each other this year.”
That quote captures the essence of what makes this tournament so compelling. It’s not just a showcase - it’s a pressure cooker. These players aren’t just chasing trophies; they’re chasing each other, pushing boundaries, and setting the tone for the next era of men’s tennis.
Keep an eye on Alexander Blockx and Dino Prizmic, two players with the kind of all-court games that could thrive under the unique format of the Next Gen Finals. Martin Landaluce and Nikolai Budkov Kjaer bring a mix of flair and firepower, while Nishesh Basavareddy and Rafael Jodar round out the field with plenty of upside and nothing to lose.
The format itself - featuring shorter sets, no-ad scoring, and other experimental tweaks - is designed to test adaptability and mental toughness. It rewards players who can stay locked in and think fast. For fans, it’s a chance to see who’s got the tools to handle high-stakes tennis with the spotlight squarely on them.
With the ATP Tour’s elder statesmen still dominating the Grand Slam scene, this event reminds us that the next wave is coming - and fast. The names on this list might not be household staples just yet, but in a few years, don’t be surprised if several of them are deep in the second week of a Slam.
For now, they’ll battle it out in Jeddah, each one chasing not just a title, but a statement.