The NextGen ATP Finals kick off on Wednesday in Jeddah, where top seed Tien is one of only two returning competitors. Tien will take on Rafael Jodar, while Martin Landaluce will take on Nicolai Budkov Kjaer.
(1) Student Ten vs. (7) Rafael Jodar
Tien will be participating in the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the second time in a row. The 28th-ranked American impressed 12 months ago when he defeated both Jakub Mensik and Arthur Fils, losing only to Joao Fonseca in both the round-robin competition and the final. Tien comes into Jeddah on the back of his first ATP title, which he captured in Metz last month – where he defeated Cameron Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6) in the final.
First up for the southpaw on Wednesday is Jodar’s turn, marking their first head-to-head meeting. Jodar was one of the best players in college tennis this past season, starring at UVA. The 168th-ranked Spaniard has also enjoyed success on the Challenger circuit, winning three such titles – including two in the last three events he entered in 2025. Jodar is playing well, but right now Tien is just on another level – especially in terms of experience.
Choice: Ten in 3
(4) Martin Landaluce vs. (5) Nicolai Budkov Kjaer
On paper, this is the best matchup on Day 1 in Jeddah. The feature film features two 19-year-olds who are among the ATP Tour’s most promising rising stars and are at similar stages of their development. Landaluce comes in at number 134 in the rankings, Budkov Kjaer is right behind at number 136.
However, there is a clear difference when it comes to mutual confrontation. Landaluce have won all three of their previous meetings – all in 2025. The Spaniard won 6-4, 6-3 on clay, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 on grass, and most recently 6-4, 6-4 on an indoor hard court in late September. Given those results, you have to appreciate Landaluce’s chances on Wednesday evening.
Choice: Landaluce in 4
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