The NextGen ATP Finals will begin on Wednesday in Jeddah, with Student Tien one of two returning participants. Tien faces Rafael Jodar, while Martin Landaluce battles Nicolai Budkov Kjaer.
(1) Student Tien vs. (7) Rafael Jodar
Tien is making his second consecutive appearance at the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 28th-ranked American impressed over the past 12 months, defeating both Jakub Mensik and Arthur Fils while losing only to Joao Fonseca in the round robin and final. Tien heads to Jeddah on the heels of his first ATP title, which he claimed last month in Metz – where he outlasted Cameron Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (6) in the final.
Up front for the left-hander on Wednesday is Jodar, marking their first head-to-head meeting. Jodar was one of the best players in college tennis this past season, playing 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 simply on a different level – especially in terms of experience.
Select: Merge to 3
(4) Martin Landaluce vs. (5) Nicolai Budkov Kjaer
On paper, this is the best pairing on Day 1 in Jeddah. There are two 19-year-olds who are among the most promising stars of the ATP Tour and find themselves at similar stages of their development. Landaluce comes in at No. 134 in the rankings, Budkov Kjaer is right behind at No. 136.
There are clear differences, however, when it comes to head-to-head fit. Landaluce have won all three of their previous games – 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 indoor hard court in late September. Given those results, you have to like Landaluce’s chances on Wednesday night.
Select: Landaluce to 4
