The 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals are set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, starting December 17. Learner Tien from the United States enters the competition as the top seed and strong favorite, ranked No. 28 globally. Tien previously reached the finals in 2023 but was defeated by João Fonseca. This year, he hopes to secure his first title in this unique tournament limited to players aged 20 and under.
Key Participants and Rankings
The tournament features eight talented young players, with rankings ranging from No. 28 to No. 187. Notable withdrawals include Jakub Menšík and João Fonseca, both prominent competitors who experienced injuries. Their absence opened opportunities for other players, including Rafael Jodar, who takes Menšík’s spot after finishing ninth in the ATP Race to Jeddah.
- Learner Tien (USA) – Age: 20, ATP Ranking: 28, Race to Jeddah Ranking: 3
- Alexander Blockx (Belgium) – Age: 20, ATP Ranking: 116, Race to Jeddah Ranking: 4
- Dino Prižmić (Croatia) – Age: 20, ATP Ranking: 128, Race to Jeddah Ranking: 5
- Martin Landaluce (Spain) – Age: 19, ATP Ranking: 134, Race to Jeddah Ranking: 6
- Nicolai Budkov Kjær (Norway) – Age: 19, ATP Ranking: 136, Race to Jeddah Ranking: 7
- Rafael Jodar (Spain) – Age: 19, ATP Ranking: 168, Race to Jeddah Ranking: 9
- Nishesh Basavareddy (USA) – Age: 20, ATP Ranking: 167, Race to Jeddah Ranking: 8
- Justin Engel (Germany) – Age: 18, ATP Ranking: 187, Race to Jeddah Ranking: 11
Competition Format and Schedule
The event will commence with a round-robin format, dividing the players into two groups: Blue Group and Red Group. Each player will compete in three matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. The final will be held on December 21.
Group Draws
| Blue Group | Red Group |
|---|---|
| Learner Tien | Alexander Blockx |
| Martin Landaluce | Dino Prižmić |
| Nicolai Budkov Kjær | Nishesh Basavareddy |
| Rafael Jodar | Justin Engel |
Matches will be played at two time slots daily: afternoon and evening, with the first match starting at 11 a.m. GMT. The tournament will implement innovative scoring rules, requiring players to win four games to secure a set. Additionally, the final will utilize a ‘No-Ad’ scoring system, enhancing the competitive edge of each match.
Prize Money Structure
Each of the eight competitors will receive a participation fee of $154,000. Additional earnings will depend on match outcomes:
- Round-robin match win: $37,500
- Semi-final victory: $113,500
- Final win: $157,250
If a player remains undefeated throughout the tournament, the potential total prize money is approximately $539,750.
The Next Gen ATP Finals present an exciting podium for emerging tennis talent, embodying the future of the sport. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matches and impressive displays from the next generation of tennis stars.
