The 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals have arrived, bringing the most promising young men’s tennis stars together for a week of intense competition and spirited play in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Held from December 17 to 21, this year’s edition is the eighth in the event’s history and once again takes place at King Abdullah Sports City, a modern indoor sports complex hosting the season-ending tournament for the world’s best players aged 20 and under.
Unlike traditional ATP events, the Next Gen Finals focus on emerging talent. The field is made up of eight players who have earned their spot through strong performances across the ATP Tour and Challenger circuits during the 2025 season.
This year’s qualified players include standout names such as Learner Tien, Alexander Blockx, Dino Prižmić, Martin Landaluce, Nicolai Budkov Kjær, Nishesh Basavareddy, Rafael Jodar, and Justin Engel.
Learner Tien Carries the Weight of Expectation
American Learner Tien enters as the top seed and the leading story of the tournament. At just 20 years old, Tien has taken a significant step in his career this season, rising to a career-high ranking around world No. 28 thanks to several key victories and even capturing his first ATP title.
His performance has made him the favourite to claim the Next Gen crown, and his experience from reaching the final last year adds to his confidence as he seeks to take the next step in Jeddah.
The tournament uses a round-robin format in the group stage, dividing the players into two groups of four. The top two finishers from each group will move on to the semi-finals, setting the stage for high-stakes matches in the final days of play. Matches are best of five sets, with each set played to four games, creating short but intense battle conditions that test both physical stamina and mental focus.
Beyond the competition, the Next Gen Finals have become known for fostering camaraderie among the players. Just days before the action began, the eight participants enjoyed a friendly beach retreat and social activities in Jeddah, showing the human side of professional sport. These moments off the court help build friendships that often last throughout careers.
A Legend Returns to Inspire the Next Generation
This year’s event also includes a special appearance by Rafael Nadal, the legendary former world No. 1. Though retired from full-time competition, Nadal has returned to Jeddah to support the young generation, meet fans, and take part in community events. His presence adds a layer of inspiration for the next wave of tennis talent as they chase their dreams on the big stage.
Prize money for the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals totals over two million dollars, with a substantial bonus for an undefeated champion. While no ATP ranking points are awarded, the experience, exposure, and confidence gained from strong performances can be invaluable for these rising players.
Tickets for the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals are available through the tournament’s official channels. Fans can book their seats via the ATP Tour’s official website, which redirects to authorised local ticketing partners in Saudi Arabia. Limited tickets are also released closer to match days, depending on availability. Visitors are advised to purchase only through official platforms to ensure valid entry and access to the venue.
