As the 2026 tennis season approaches, the anticipation for the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is palpable. Slated for December 17-21, this prestigious competition will mark the event’s third outing in Jeddah after being held in Milan for five consecutive years. The tournament, which showcases the best young talent under the age of 20, features a lineup of eight competitors, including Learner Tien, Alexander Blockx, Dino Prizmic, Martin Landaluce, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, Nishesh Basavareddy, Rafael Jodar, and Justin Engel.
Among the standout players, Learner Tien emerges as a formidable contender. Following the withdrawals of Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca, Tien stands out as the top favorite. As one of the two returning players from the previous year—alongside Basavareddy—he brings valuable experience to the table. Tien was the runner-up in last year’s event and currently sits at No. 28 in the ATP rankings, positioning him as a likely seed for the upcoming Australian Open.
Nishesh Basavareddy is another key player to watch. Having also participated in last year’s finals, the 20-year-old American is entering the competition after a challenging season that saw him dip to No. 167 in the global rankings, despite a brief stint within the top 100 earlier in 2025. With Gilles Cervara—a coach known for his work with Daniil Medvedev—now in his corner, Basavareddy’s understanding of high-pressure situations could play a critical role in his performance.
Justin Engel, an 18-year-old from Germany, represents a fresh face in the tournament and should not be overlooked. While he may be viewed as a long shot, his potential is bolstered by the comparatively less challenging matchups in the Red Group. Engel has shown growing proficiency on quicker surfaces, particularly grass and indoor hard courts, and could surprise many if he finds his rhythm.
The NextGen ATP Finals not only presents a platform for rising stars to display their skills but also sets the stage for drama and unpredictability as the competition unfolds. With Tien leading the charge and Basavareddy and Engel trailing closely behind, fans can expect thrilling matchups and exciting tennis action in Jeddah.
