The NextGen ATP Finals gets underway on Wednesday in Jeddah, where top seed Learner Tien is one of just two returning participants. Tien faces Rafael Jodar, while Martin Landaluce battles Nicolai Budkov Kjaer.
(1) Learner Tien vs. (7) Rafael Jodar
Tien is making a second consecutive appearance at the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 28th-ranked American impressed 12 months ago, when he defeated both Jakub Mensik and Arthur Fils while losing only to Joao Fonseca in both round-robin competition and the final. Tien heads into Jeddah on the heels of his first ATP title, which he captured last month in Metz — where he outlasted Cameron Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6) in the final.
Up first 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, 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 simply on a different level — especially in terms of experience.
Pick: Tien in 3
(4) Martin Landaluce vs. (5) Nicolai Budkov Kjaer
On paper, this is the best matchup on Day 1 in Jeddah. In features two 19-year-olds who are among the most promising rising stars of the ATP Tour and find themselves at similar stages of their progression. Landaluce comes in at No. 134 in the rankings, Budkov Kjaer is right behind at No. 136.
There is a clear difference, though, when it comes to the head-to-head matchup. Landaluce has won all three of their previous encounters — all in 2025. The Spaniard prevailed 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 like Landaluce’s chances on Wednesday night.
Pick: Landaluce in 4