The Next Gen ATP Finals, presented by PIF, kicked off with a flourish in Jeddah on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The tournament features the world’s best 20-and-under players, and Day 1 saw some exciting matchups.
Arthur Fils (FRA) vs. Joao Fonseca (BRA) – 19:10 SAST
Top seed Arthur Fils, who finished as the runner-up in 2023, is looking to avenge his earlier defeat to Fonseca and start his campaign on a strong note. Fonseca, the youngest competitor in the field, will be eager to cause an upset.
Jakub Mensik (CZE) vs. Learner Tien (USA) – 18:00 SAST
Third seed Jakub Mensik, who has claimed the ATP Newcomer of the Year Award in 2024, faces American debutant Learner Tien. Mensik’s aggressive style will be tested against Tien’s resolute defense.
Alex Michelsen (USA) vs. Nishesh Basavareddy (USA) – 14:10 SAST
Second seed Alex Michelsen takes on his compatriot and good friend Nishesh Basavareddy in an intriguing Red Group opener. Both players will be looking to make a strong impression in their first match of the tournament.
Shang Juncheng (CHN) vs. Luca Van Assche (FRA) – 13:00 SAST
Fourth seed Shang Juncheng, who won his first ATP title in Chengdu this year, faces last year’s semi-finalist Luca Van Assche. Shang’s impressive form in 2024 will be pitted against Van Assche’s experience.
The Next Gen ATP Finals promises to be a thrilling showcase of the future stars of tennis, and Day 1 has set the stage for some captivating matches. Stay tuned for more action as the tournament progresses!
Arthur Fils in 2024
Currently the world no.
20 (career-high), Arthur played his last match on the 31st of October when he lost to world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the 3rd round in Paris (draw).Until now, during this year the French player owns a 41-26 record. Arthur has won 3 titles in 2024 in the Bordeaux Challenger, Hamburg and Tokyo.
Jakub Mensik in 2024
Currently the world no.48 (career-high), the Czech played his last match on the 27th of October when he had to retire when playing against world no.70 Corentin Moutet in the qualifications and the scoreline was 7-6(3) .
At the moment, during this season the Czech has managed to achieve a compiled 41-24 record. Jakub Mensik’s most significant performance of the present year was reaching the final in the Canberra Challenger and Doha.
Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik have never faced off.
Alex Michelsen in 2024
Now the world no.41 (career-high), the American played his last match on the 8th of November when he surrendered to world no.75 Benjamin Bonzi 4-6 6-0 7-5 in the semifinal in Metz (draw).
This season the American has a 42-33 win-loss record. Alex Michelsen’s best result of this season was getting to the final in Newport and Salem.