The NextGen ATP Finals are heating up as the round-robin stage continues, with crucial matchups slated for Thursday. The stakes are particularly high for Learner Tien and Martin Landaluce, both of whom are looking to secure their spots in the next phase of the tournament. Meanwhile, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer and Rafael Jodar have established themselves as formidable contenders, with each holding a win in this early stage.
Learner Tien, the top seed in this year’s event and currently ranked 28th in the world, has returned with determined ambition after finishing as the runner-up last year. However, his journey hit a snag on Wednesday against Rafael Jodar, where he squandered four match points, ultimately succumbing in a gripping contest that ended with scores of 1-4, 4-3(3), 1-4, 4-2, 4-3(4). Tien, who boasts an ATP 250 title from Metz just before the finals, is aiming to bounce back against Landaluce, a 134th-ranked Spaniard in an encounter that marks their first meeting on the professional stage.
Landaluce faced a tough challenge in his opening match, falling to Budkov Kjaer by a scoreline of 4-1, 3-4(7), 4-2, 4-3(4). Although he is seen as a promising talent, Landaluce will need to elevate his game when faced with Tien, who brings a wealth of experience and higher ranking into this matchup.
On the other half of the draw, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer takes on Rafael Jodar, creating a rematch of the thrilling 2024 U.S. Open boys singles final. That match saw Jodar clinch victory in a tense final-set tiebreaker, and the young Spaniard displayed his knack for tiebreaks again by winning both he faced against Tien. With confidence soaring after a successful debut at Jeddah, Budkov Kjaer aims to build on his momentum against Jodar, who is riding high on a wave of recent form, including wins at two Challenger events this year.
As the competition intensifies, each player will look to solidify their position in the NextGen ATP Finals, which serve as a vital platform for showcasing the future stars of men’s tennis. The outcomes of Thursday’s matches will be critical as they shape the path toward the knockout stages of this prestigious event.
