In today’s evening session in Jeddah we can watch an intriguing clash in the Blue Group between the tournament favorite and a rising Spanish newcomer. Read on for our predictions for Learner Tien vs Rafael Jodar at the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals.
Match Details
- Matchup: Learner Tien (USA) vs Rafael Jodar (ESP)
- Time: Not before 7:00 PM local time (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
- Surface: Indoor Hard Court
| Feature | Learner Tien | Rafael Jodar |
| Current Ranking | #28 | #168 |
| Best 2025 Result | Champion in Metz (ATP 250) | 3 ATP Challenger Titles |
| Experience | 2024 Finalist (Runner-up) | Next Gen Debutant |
| Playing Style | Crafty lefty, elite consistency | Aggressive, baseline power |
What can we expect?
- Learner Tien is the man to beat this week. After finishing as the runner-up last year, he had a big 2025 breakthrough, jumping from outside the Top 120 to inside the Top 30. He arrives in Jeddah with the most momentum, having won his first ATP title in Metz just last month.
- Rafael Jodar has been the “dark horse” of the season. Balancing tennis with his studies at the University of Virginia, he still managed to climb over 700 spots in the rankings this year. Last year, he was at this event as a hitting partner; today, he is a competitor.
- This is a classic “Chess Player vs. Power Hitter” matchup. Tien uses his left-handed angles and defensive skills to frustrate opponents into errors, while Jodar will try to use his height and big groundstrokes to blast through Tien’s defenses.
Predictions and Odds
Because of the Next Gen format (first-to-four games per set, no-ad scoring), momentum can shift very quickly. If Jodar starts hot with his serve, he could pressure Tien early. However, Tien’s experience with the unique rules and the Jeddah environment gives him a significant edge.
Tien is the big favorite today among tennis bookmakers at 1.30 (-350) and a win for Jodar gives around 3.40 (+240).
This is a tricky start for the American but he is playing on a new level lately and has all the experience to get this done.
Prediction: Tien in three.
Read more betting tips for the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals.