2025 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah: Top Under-20 Tennis Stars Compete

The final event of the ATP calendar will be the Next Gen ATP Finals, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, starting Dec. 15

The 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals, a prestigious tournament featuring the world's top under-20 tennis players, is set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, beginning December 15. Despite the withdrawal of defending champion João Fonseca due to injury, the event promises thrilling competition with eight promising young talents on the main stage. The spotlight is on Czech player Jakub Menšík, who leads the field as the highest-ranked participant, alongside notable contenders such as Americans Learner Tien and Nishesh Basavareddy, and other emerging stars from Europe.

• Defending champion João Fonseca withdrew from the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals due to injury, allowing Rafael Jodar to take the last qualification spot.
• Czech talent Jakub Menšík, ranked No. 19 in the ATP and Miami Open Masters 1000 champion, is the tournament favorite.
• The lineup features eight players under 20, including two Americans—Learner Tien and Nishesh Basavareddy—and top prospects from Spain, Norway, Croatia, and Belgium.
• The event marks the second appearance for Menšík and Tien, both seeking redemption after less successful performances last year.
• The tournament will take place from December 17 to 21 and highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence and investment in international sports.

An Overview of the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah

The end of the ATP season brings a spotlight to the Next Gen ATP Finals, a showcase event for the best young tennis players of the year, all under 20 years old. This year’s edition unfolds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a nation increasingly committed to hosting high-profile sports events as part of its expanding global sports portfolio.

Lineup and Key Contenders

The tournament features eight rising stars who have excelled during the 2025 ATP season. The highest seed is Jakub Menšík of Czechia, who reached a peak ATP ranking of No. 19 and clinched his maiden Masters 1000 title at the Miami Open. Menšík’s impressive season includes a notable victory over Novak Djokovic in Miami, showcasing his capacity to upset the sport’s elite.

Joining Menšík are two American players: Learner Tien, who made a breakthrough by winning his first ATP title at the Moselle Open, and Nishesh Basavareddy, who had a challenging season with a balanced record between ATP and Challenger Tour events.

Spain’s representatives, Rafael Jodar and Martin Landaluce, both bring strong Challenger Tour credentials, with Jodar notably rising to the tournament by winning three Challenger titles this year. Norway’s Nikolai Budkov Kjaer, who has secured four Challenger titles, is another promising contender. The field completes with Dino Prižmić from Croatia and Alexander Blockx of Belgium, both seeking to make an impact on this international stage.

Withdrawal of Defending Champion João Fonseca

The 2024 champion, João Fonseca, withdrew due to an injury sustained late in the season, which has sidelined him into 2026 preparations. His absence opens the door for Jodar to enter the competition as the final qualifier.

Menšík’s Journey and Expectations

Jakub Menšík has become a household name among tennis enthusiasts following his landmark victory in Miami, where, at 19 years old, he became the second-youngest champion in tournament history and one of the few teenagers to defeat Djokovic at the ATP level. His presence in the tournament as the top seed places him as the clear favorite. Menšík has shown consistency throughout the season with strong showings at major events such as the Australian Open, Madrid, and Rome, reaching the later stages and beating several top-10 ranked players.

Despite a disappointing performance at last year’s Next Gen Finals where he lost all three group stage matches, Menšík is poised for redemption with enhanced experience and form.

The Growing Importance of Saudi Arabia as a Sports Hub

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Next Gen ATP Finals reflects its strategic investment in sports as a global showcase. This aligns with other major investments across various disciplines, aiming to foster a vibrant sports culture domestically and internationally.

The event offers a platform for young athletes like Menšík to engage with a new audience and inspire the next generation within the region, illustrated by his heartfelt message to Saudi fans expressing excitement and pride in representing his country and the sport on this unique stage.

Breakthroughs and Surprises in the 2025 ATP Tour Season

The 2025 ATP season was notable for the emergence of new talents, with nine players winning their first ATP-level titles. Amid established dominance by stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the season featured remarkable breakthroughs from young stars.

• João Fonseca’s early success with the Buenos Aires Open title at 18 years old set the tone for a new generation.
• Jakub Menšík’s Miami Open triumph was a standout achievement, locking his status as a serious contender.
• Valentin Vacherot’s unexpected Shanghai Open victory from qualifying ranks underscored the depth of talent rising through the ranks.

Other notable first-time winners included Alexandre Müller, who broke through just shy of his 28th birthday; Tomas Machac, Flavio Cobolli, and Jenson Brooksby, all solidifying their presence on clay and hard courts; and Gabriel Diallo, who secured his maiden title on grass in the latter half of the year.

American Learner Tien capped the season with an epic maiden title victory at the Moselle Open, adding to a strong run that included multiple wins over Top 10 players.

Jakub Menšík’s Participation and Message Ahead of the Finals

Although uncertainty lingered after Menšík’s last singles appearance at the Davis Cup Finals and the Czech team’s quarterfinal exit, the 20-year-old confirmed his participation as the number-one seed for the Next Gen ATP Finals. In a video message released on the tournament's official platform, Menšík shared his joy and anticipation:

*"I’m super happy and super excited to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals for the second time. The whole year was really good for me, winning my first ATP title, the Masters 1000 in Miami, was a really great run. It makes it even more special finishing the year as a top 20 player. Really excited to see you guys in December, in Jeddah. For the Saudi people, for the kids, and all the whole country, it’s a great opportunity for the future. I’m super excited to come, and I will see you all there."*

Predictions and Outlook for the Tournament

While Jakub Menšík is the leading favorite, the competition remains open. Learner Tien, with his strong form and previous tournament experience, represents the main challenge, while the other contenders are ranked outside the Top 100 but carry potential for surprises. The unpredictable nature of sport and the motivation levels of individual players will play key roles in the outcome.

The 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals will offer exciting matches and showcase the future stars of men’s tennis, underlining the promising talents ready to take the sport forward. The tournament runs from December 17 to 21 in Jeddah, and with the absence of the defending champion João Fonseca, the title remains wide open for the taking. Tennis fans worldwide will be watching closely as these young athletes compete on an important stage in the heart of Saudi Arabia.