Tennis News

Friends Turn Foes: Tien meets Basavareddy, Blockx faces Budkov Kjaer in Jeddah SFs

Friends collide on Saturday as American Learner Tien faces countryman Nishesh Basavareddy and Alexander Blockx meets Nicolai Budkov Kjaer for a place in the championship match at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.

Close friends Blockx and Budkov Kjaer square off in the first semi-final at 7 p.m local time, followed by the all-American battle between last year’s finalist Tien and sixth seed Basavareddy, not before 9 p.m.

It is a memorable stage for players who grew up crossing paths on the junior circuit, and are now reunited in Jeddah, standing across the net from each other and within one win of a final berth at the 20-and-under event.

[1] Learner Tien (USA) vs [6] Nishesh Basavareddy (USA) [not before 9 p.m.]
The only players in this year’s field who are making their second consecutive appearance, Tien and Basavareddy bring added experience to the semi-finals. The lefty Tien cracked the Top 30 of the PIF ATP Rankings in November following his maiden tour-level triumph in Metz.

The 20-year-old has built his winning streak to eight consecutive matches and will put that to the test against Basavareddy, who he defeated 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-2 at this year’s Wimbledon, their lone Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting.

“We’ve played a decent bit since we were very young,” Tien said of Basavareddy. “We grew up pretty close to each other, both from the States, so we’d see each other at a lot of Challengers. It’s been cool for him to make his way up as I’ve been making my way up. It’s great to see a familiar face at these tournaments, so I think It’ll be cool to share the court with him.”

The clash between Tien and Basavareddy promises to be a tug of war in court coverage and a life-size chess match from the baseline. Both players have relatively new voices in their corner. Basavareddy this month announced his new partnership with Gilles Cervara, a renowned coach who most recently worked with Daniil Medvedev. Former World No. 2 Michael Chang coaches Tien, after officially joining the lefty’s team in August.

[2] Alexander Blockx (BEL) vs [5] Nicolai Budkov Kjaer (NOR) [starts at 7 p.m.]
Both players possess the ability to rip the felt off the ball from the first strike, each averaging 11 aces per match this week, according to Infosys ATP Stats. Control of the baseline will be paramount as Blockx and Budkov Kjaer fight to dictate rallies in their maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head clash. In the first-to-4 format, there is no margin for error.

“I think I have a big serve,” Budkov Kjaer said before the tournament. “That is the key thing for me if I want to beat the best guys, I have to have that in the toolbox.”

Blockx and Budkov Kjaer are close friends who both claimed junior Slam titles before transitioning to professional tennis. Blockx won the 2023 Australian Open boys’ singles event — defeating Tien in the final — while Budkov Kjaer captured the 2024 Wimbledon junior crown.

The second seed Blockx is into the semi-finals after posting a perfect 3-0 record in round-robin action. Budkov Kjaer began the week 2-0 before suffering a four-set loss to Tien on Thursday. Budkov Kjaer’s head-to-head win against Rafael Jodar was enough for the 19-year-old to secure second place over the Spaniard, who also finished 2-1 in Blue Group. The Oslo native, one of six players to win a season-leading four ATP Challenger titles this season, is the second Norwegian (Casper Ruud) to compete at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.

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Next Gen ATP Finals Photos: Best images from round-robin play in Jeddah

Round-robin play at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF concluded Friday in Jeddah after three days of competition featuring eight of the best 20-and-under players.

Learner Tien beat Nicolai Budkov Kjaer in the final group-stage match to finish first in the Blue Group with a 2-1 record. Alexander Blockx remained undefeated in the Red Group, posting a 3-0 record. Both advanced to the semi-finals, alongside Budkov Kjaer and Nishesh Basavareddy.

View some photos from the round-robin action. All photo credits belong to Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour.

<img alt=”Learner Tien at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/19/01/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-tien.jpg” />
^{Learner Tien.}

<img alt=”Alexander Blockx with a kid at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/18/48/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-blockx.jpg” />
^{Alexander Blockx.}

<img alt=”Nishesh Basavareddy on Day 3 of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/17/37/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-basavareddy.jpg” />
^{Nishesh Basavareddy.}

<img alt=”Martin Landaluce on Day 1 of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/17/49/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-landaluce.jpg” />
^{Martin Landaluce.}

<img alt=”Rafael Jodar at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/17/43/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-jodar.jpg” />
^{Rafael Jodar.}

<img alt=”Fans supporting Justin Engel at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/18/42/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-engel-fans.jpg” />
^{Justin Engel fans in the stands.}

<img alt=”Justin Engel at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/19/05/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-engel.jpg” />
^{Justin Engel.}

<img alt=”Nicolai Budkov Kjaer on Day 2 of the Next Gen ATP Finals 2025.” style=”width:100′;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/18/05/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-budkov-kjaer.jpg” />
^{Nicolai Budkov Kjaer}

<img alt=”Dino Prizmic at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/18/54/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-prizmic.jpg” />
^{Dino Prizmic.}

<img alt=”Alexander Blockx on Day 2 of the Next Gen ATP Finals.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/18/25/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-blockx-bh.jpg” />
^{Alexander Blockx}

<img alt=”Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/19/03/jeddah-2025-round-robin-gallery-stadium.jpg” />
^{A general view of the stadium at the King Abdullah Sports City.}

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Budkov Kjaer: A ‘sleepless night’, sweet revenge & a dream run in Jeddah

Winning has been a familiar feeling for Nicolai Budkov Kjaer throughout 2025, and stepping on court at the and the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF hasn’t changed that rhythm one bit.

Two things have driven the 19-year-old’s run to becoming the first Norwegian semi-finalist at the event: a sharp competitive memory and a body that just keeps giving. Budkov Kjaer’s campaign in Jeddah began with his first win in four tries over Martin Landaluce, following it up with a composed victory against Rafael Jodar, the same opponent who denied him a second consecutive major title in the US Open boys’ final last year.

“It was a bitter loss. Two Grand Slams as a junior is special because many win one, but very few win two,” Budkov Kjaer told ATPTour.com in Jeddah. “I still remember the airplane ride, I was struggling to sleep. It was a tough loss.”

If anything, it was a loss that seemed to spark what came next. In 2025, Budkov Kjaer scooped four ATP Challenger Tour titles and rose to World No. 132 en route to earning his place at the 20-and-under showpiece.

At 6’3”, Budkov Kjaer’s weapons are obvious from the stands: a lively serve, clean power off both wings and the confidence to pull the trigger indoors, where he’s already won twice this year. But so far in Jeddah, it’s what’s at the heart of the points that has stood out.

“I’m quite pleased with a lot of things this week, but I think my physicality is really good,” said Budkov Kjaer, who won 11/14 rallies over nine shots against Landaluce, according to Infosys ATP Stats. “I’m moving extremely well and I don’t think I need to rush the rallies because I have a good base now.

“I was talking a lot with my coaches in the preseason about how I’m quite good physically. The longer the point, the better for me. Especially with Martin [Landaluce], who has an aggressive game, it’s a bit tougher to always play with a small margin, so maybe I took some inspiration from my countryman Casper [Ruud], who plays with the high spin and good margins.”

Watch Jeddah Highlights: Budkov Kjaer vs. Landaluce

Ruud, the former World No. 2 and three-time major finalist, is a familiar face in Budkov Kjaer’s journey, someone he’s practised with often and openly refers to as a ‘big brother’ figure. Yet this week, the 19-year-old has nudged past his countryman in one small but notable way, becoming the first Norwegian to reach the semi-finals in tournament history.

Budkov Kjaer has shown just why he is one of the brightest prospects on the ATP Tour so far in Jeddah, all with a tight-knit support system in tow. His sister, who is also a tennis player, has been a constant presence, alongside his parents — coach Alexander Kjaer and mother Tatiana.

“I’ve always been a guy that likes to compete and play matches — I get motivated by that,” Budkov Kjaer said when asked about his 2025 season. “I really like playing a lot of matches each year because you have all the pressure, all the emotions. You can never train like it is in a match. I think it’s a good thing and something I will keep doing, of course.

“I’m still super young, so I have a big career in front of me. I hope I’m not at my peak yet… I hope I play better in every tournament I come to and I think I am getting better and playing some of my best tennis right now.”

Nicolai Budkov Kjaer and the power of the Magic 8 Ball 🎱🪄#NextGenATPFinals pic.twitter.com/4fQJQztDZW

— Next Gen ATP Finals (@nextgenfinals) December 18, 2025

There has also been a lighter edge to his wins this week. Landaluce and Jodar aren’t just rivals, but friends, which has made the victories sweeter and post-match exchanges around the locker room and practice courts a little more playful.

“To get revenge is always fun and to do it against good friends is also fun because you joke and tease each other about it,” said Budkov Kjaer. “It’s cool that the revenge came here and in a special tournament. It’s always cool to win even if it’s revenge or not.”

Having lost to top seed and last year’s finalist Learner Tien on Friday night, Budkov Kjaer finished second in the Blue Group. Standing between him and a spot in Sunday’s final is 20-year-old Alexander Blockx. The pair clash in its first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting not before 7 p.m. local time. Former champions of the innovative event include Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

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Tien tops Budkov Kjaer, both advance to Jeddah SFs

Learner Tien and Nicolai Budkov Kjaer secured their spots in the semi-finals of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF after a dramatic Friday evening in Jeddah.

Tien, who reached the final last year in Jeddah, defeated Budkov Kjaer 3-4(2), 4-1, 4-2, 4-2 to win the Blue Group with a 2-1 round-robin record and set a semi-final showdown against countryman Nishesh Basavreddy. When Budkov Kjaer won the opening set, that was enough to place him in the last four. With Tien needing either a three or four-set victory to advance, the top seed accomplished precisely that, knocking out Rafael Jodar.

“Not really,” Tien said when asked if he felt any pressure after losing the first set. “It’s a longer format, three out of five, the sets can go by quick… I thought I served pretty well the whole match, I didn’t get broken in the first set and he played a good tie-break. I didn’t feel like I played a bad set, so I wasn’t super worried.

“I think I’m adjusting to the conditions and getting a little bit better day by day, so I’m happy with that. This is my last year here, so I’m really trying to make the most out of it.”

The 20-year-old Tien increased his level as the match wore on and dictated more rallies from the baseline in the latter stages. The lefty protected his second serve, winning 76 per cent (13/17) of those points, according to Infosys ATP Stats, compared to the 19-year-old’s 38 per cent (6/16).

Tien, the top seed in Jeddah and heavy favourite entering the week, began the event with a loss to Jodar, who saved four match points to escape the American. Jodar
needed any result Friday besides a four-set win from the American to advance. Tien rebounded with wins against Martin Landaluce and Budkov Kjaer, the second Norwegian to compete at the event (Casper Ruud) in its eight-year history. Budkov Kjaer will face Red Group winner Alexander Blockx in the semi-finals.

Earlier, Jodar put aside his friendship with Landaluce, ousting his countryman with a 4-3(7), 4-1, 4-3(2) victory. Blasting 31 winners across the match, Jodar held his nerve when it mattered most, including in the first set when he fended off four set points.

“I’m very happy how I handled the important moments and the pressure moments in this match,” said Jodar. “Super happy to get the win here. I’ve been playing against him for a long time. We are very good friends. We are from the same tennis club, Club de Tenis Chamartin.”

With his idol Rafael Nadal in attendance, Jodar again kept his cool in the fourth-set tie-break to avoid any late drama.

“Rafa has been my idol for a long time, since I was very young,” said the teenager. “I used to watch all of his matches. He was my role model in tennis. I’m super happy that he was here. It means a lot that he came to Saudi Arabia to watch this tournament.”

Jodar was also watertight behind his second serve, having won 92 per cent (12/13) of his second-serve points, according to the Infosys ATP Stats.

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'I still have dreams' – Wawrinka to retire after 2026

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka says that 2026 will be his final season as a professional.

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Wawrinka announces 'one last push': 2026 will be his last year

Stan Wawrinka announced on social media on Friday that 2026 will be his last year on tour.

The Swiss player has won 16 tour-level titles, including three major trophies, and rose to a career-high No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

“ONE LAST PUSH,” Wawrinka wrote. “Every book needs an ending. It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. 2026 will be my last year on tour.”

🎾ONE LAST PUSH🎾
Every book needs an ending📕
It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player 📝
2026 will be my last year on tour

P perseverance
A ambition
S sacrifice
S success
I injuries
O obsession
N never give up

D discipline
R… pic.twitter.com/CJlA8gCN8Y

— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) December 19, 2025

Known for possessing one of the most elegant one-handed backhands in the game, Wawrinka’s career hit new heights in the middle of the 2010s, winning trophies at the Australian Open in 2014, Roland Garros in 2015 and the US Open in 2016.

Wawrinka has reached the Nitto ATP Finals on four occasions, highlighted by three consecutive semi-final runs from 2013-15. He has earned at least three Lexus ATP Head2Head wins against each member of the Big Three — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic — and defeated former World No. 1 Andy Murray 10 times.

Wawrinka is set to open his final season in Perth at the United Cup, which begins 2 January.

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Nadal delights fans in Jeddah

Fan Zone at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF had extra buzz Friday night when 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal made a special appearance.

Still sporting a cast on his right hand and wrist after recent surgery – but no longer with his arm in a sling – Nadal spent an extended period in pleasantly cool evening conditions posing for photos with delighted Saudi fans.

Nadal later watched the all-Spanish clash between Rafael Jodar and Martin Landaluce, who trains at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca. 

Nadal, who has served as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation since the start of 2024, will remain in Jeddah through Sunday’s final of the 20-and-under showpiece at King Abdullah Sports City.

The former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings promotes tennis throughout the Kingdom. His involvement includes encouraging grassroots participation, supporting training programs, and helping plan the future of the sport.

“We love this event, we have come before and it is great to see the young players,” said fan Jayshree Babu, who is a ‘major’ Roger Federer fan. “I think tennis is really picking up as a sport in Saudi and it is good to see the attraction it is gaining. With people like Nadal coming, it only adds to the excitement and growth.”

<img alt=”Fans Suresh Babu, Bharadhwaj Babu, Jayshree Babu, Amit Jain and Lakshmi Babu attend the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/16/41/fan-zone-2-jeddah.jpg” />
^{Fans Suresh Babu, Bharadhwaj Babu, Jayshree Babu, Amit Jain and Lakshmi Babu. Photo credit: ATP Tour}

<img alt=”Rafael Nadal fans attend the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/16/28/nadal-fans-jeddah-2025-friday.jpg” />
^{Nadal fans in Jeddah. Photo credit: ATP Tour}

<img alt=”Waleed Habosh, Qussai Kreisler and Bilal Taj attend the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah.” style=”width:100;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2025/12/19/16/39/fan-zone-1-jeddah-2025.jpg” />
^{Fans Waleed Habosh, Qussai Kreisler and Bilal Taj. Photo credit: ATP Tour}

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Safeguarding at the ATP

1) Safeguarding at ATP
ATP is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment across all ATP tournaments worldwide. Safeguarding is central to our values and to the way we protect the dignity, wellbeing and rights of everyone involved in professional tennis.

Safeguarding at ATP applies to players, player support teams, staff, officials, volunteers, children, adults at risk and anyone participating in or attending ATP tournaments.

2) Report a Concern:
If something feels wrong, report it. Anyone can report a safeguarding concern, including players, staff, volunteers, parents, spectators or members of the public.

You can report a concern in the following ways:

• Submit an online safeguarding report form
• Email: safeguarding@atptour.com
• Speak to the Tournament Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
• Use the anonymous reporting option (report@atptour.realresponse.uk or +1(904)-372-1287)

If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first. You can then report the concern to the tournament DSO or ATP.

All reports are taken seriously and handled confidentially.

3) What Safeguarding means at ATP
Safeguarding at ATP means taking action to prevent harm, respond to concerns and promote a culture of safety and respect at our tournaments. It is about protecting people, especially players, children and adults at risk, and making sure concerns are taken seriously and handled with care.

Our safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:

• Trauma-informed care: The Safeguarding Programme is rooted in trauma-informed care principles, aiming to prevent recurring traumatic experiences and restore a sense of safety, power, and self-worth. The Programme aims to prioritise the wellbeing of everyone involved in ATP tournaments, particularly all children, adults at risk and any person with lived experience of abuse.
• Shared responsibility: Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All Covered Persons are expected to uphold the principles of the Safeguarding Programme and collaborate to ensure a safe professional tennis environment during ATP tournaments.
• Champion safety: ATP treats safeguarding concerns and allegations seriously, striving for prompt responses.
• Work together: ATP collaborates with other organizations, in and beyond tennis, to enhance safeguarding standards and best practice.

4) Roles & Responsibilities
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. While everyone has a role to play, certain responsibilities are clearly defined.

• Tournament Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
  Acts as the main point of contact for safeguarding at the tournament, receives concerns and works closely with ATP to ensure appropriate action is taken.
• ATP Director of Safeguarding:
  Oversees the ATP Safeguarding Programme, assesses and investigates concerns, and ensures consistent safeguarding standards across tournaments.
• Safeguarding Advisory Panel
  A group of independent professionals with a background in safeguarding or tennis to lead the ATP in it’s safeguarding commitments.
• Everyone involved in ATP tournaments:
  Players, staff, officials and volunteers are expected to act respectfully, maintain appropriate boundaries and report concerns.

5) ATP Safeguarding Programme

You can download the ATP Safeguarding Programme here.

6) Contact & Support
ATP takes a trauma-informed approach to safeguarding. Support, care and dignity are central to how concerns are handled.

Director of Safeguarding:
Andrew Azzopardi
andrew.azzopardi@atptour.com
+44 7354 843986

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Basavareddy qualifies for Next Gen ATP Finals SFs after Blockx wins first set

Nishesh Basavareddy has advanced to the semi-finals at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF after Alexander Blockx won the first set against Dino Prizmic on Friday afternoon in Jeddah.

In the first match of the day, Basavareddy defeated Justin Engel 4-3(3), 4-2, 4-3(5) to end Red Group with a 2-1 record and knew he would qualify for the last four if Prizmic failed to defeat Blockx in straight sets in the second match of the day.

In a fast start, Blockx won the first-set tie-break against Prizmic 4-3(4) to seal Basavareddy’s semi-final spot. Blockx had already secured his place in the last four, going 2-0 through his opening matches.

Basavareddy is making his second appearance at the 20-and-under event and made a flying start this week when he beat Prizmic in his opener. After falling to Blockx, Basavareddy responded with a stable performance against Engel, winning the majority of the baseline exchanges and rallying from 3/5 in the third-set tie-break to triumph after 70 minutes.

“I didn’t look at any of that [the permutations],” Basavreddy said. “In the third set, I was thinking maybe if I win this in straight sets it would be better for my cause, but before the match, I was just trying to prepare the best I could for this match.”

Basavareddy is being supported by coach Gilles Cervara at a tournament for the first time this week. The French coach joined forces with the World No. 167 in December after parting ways with former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in August. Read more about Basavareddy and Cervara’s partnership here.

“In the short time we have been together we have already made some improvements, him and my fitness coach,” Basavareddy said on Cervara. “I think we have progressed a lot physically and I think my serve today was a lot better than it normally is.”

Engel exits the event having gone 0-3 this week. The German will be disappointed to have finished his impressive year, highlighted by an ATP Challenger Tour title and a quarter-final run at the ATP 250 event in Stuttgart, without a match win. However, the youngest player in this year’s field will take the learnings from the week into the new season.

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Day 3 Preview: Tien vs. Budkov Kjaer caps thrilling RR finale in Jeddah

There are three semi-final spots up for grabs on Friday, the final day of round-robin action at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah.

Alexander Blockx, who leads Red Group, is the only player through, while Nicolai Budkov Kjaer is 2-0 in Blue Group. Last year’s finalist Learner Tien will look to disrupt the Norwegian’s rhythm when they face off in the final match of the day, following close friends Martin Landaluce and Rafael Jodar’s first tour-level meeting. 

Nishesh Basavareddy opens play in the Red Group against Justin Engel and Blockx faces Dino Prizmic.  

View Day 3 schedule here | View Qualification Scenarios here

[1] Learner Tien (USA) vs [5] Nicolai Budkov Kjaer (NOR) [second match from 7 p.m.] Budkov Kjaer has been untouchable so far, leading the Blue Group at 2-0, but Tien believes he can halt the Norwegian’s charge. The World No. 28 and lone Top 100 player in the field, Tien has yet to hit top form — squandering four match points in an error-filled loss to Jodar — though he showed signs of resurgence in a four-set comeback win over Landaluce.

Last year’s finalist knows what it takes to win in Jeddah and faces a stern test against Budkov Kjaer, who has overwhelmed opponents with his baseline power and consistency. The 19-year-old, owner of a Tour-leading four Challenger titles this season, will aim to complete a perfect 3-0 group sweep and become the first Norwegian to reach the semi-finals in tournament history.

[4] Martin Landaluce (ESP) vs [7] Rafael Jodar (ESP) [not before 7 p.m.] Childhood friends Landaluce and Jodar will set aside familiarity for an anticipated clash, with both debutants needing victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The Madrid natives have competed together since they were nine, but only one will have the possibility to extend his 2025 season.

Landaluce has struggled to impose his aggressive style thus far and is 0-2 and could be tested by Jodar’s high-risk, high-reward game. Jodar saved four match points for the biggest win of his career against Tien earlier in the week, but also leaked 34 unforced errors in defeat to Budkov Kjaer — a flaw he must rein in a match primed for tension and drama.

[6] Nishesh Basavareddy (USA) vs [8] Justin Engel (GER) [not before 2 p.m.] Competing in Jeddah for the second consecutive year, Basavareddy is aiming to improve upon last year’s 1-2 match record and qualify for the semi-finals. The American, who is accompanied in Jeddah by new coach Gilles Cervara, will look to bounce back from his three-set defeat to Blockx. The 20-year-old is 1-1 this week.

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Engel, the youngest player in the field, is vying for his first win in his debut appearance. The German has suffered a pair of four-set defeats, but has shown plenty of firepower from the baseline, a trait he will look to use against Basavareddy. In June, Engel became the second-youngest player since 1990 to win a tour-level match (excluding Davis Cup) on all three surfaces: hard, clay and grass. Only Rafael Nadal accomplished the feat at a younger age. He then became the youngest ATP Challenger champion of 2025 with his October triumph in Hamburg.

[2] Alexander Blockx (BEL) vs [3] Dino Prizmic (CRO) [second match from 2 p.m.]
Blockx has showcased his clutch instincts this week, building a 2-0 record in Red Group highlighted by two narrow tie-break wins on Thursday against Basavareddy. The 20-year-old dramatically saved three set points in the second-set tie-break alone. Showcasing his hefty serve and raw firepower from the baseline, Blockx has saved 12 of the 13 break points he’s faced across two matches, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

The 20-year-old is the first Belgian to reach the semi-finals in the tournament’s eight-year history, but his attention will first be on avenging his February loss to Prizmic, who beat Blockx 6-3, 6-2 at an indoor-hard ATP Challenger event in Lugano. Prizmic earned his debut win Thursday against Engel to improve to 1-1 in round-robin action.

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