The 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals could be among the best in the event's history, with Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik among the players who will be in action.
Each iteration of the Next Gen ATP Finals celebrates the best players aged 20 and under in the sport, giving fans a clear idea of which stars might be the next to break through and reach the very top.
The 2024 edition, running from December 18th to 22nd, will be played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, once again. This further demonstrates the country's increased influence in tennis and sports overall in recent years.
Saudi Arabia's confirmation as host of the 2034 Football World Cup is the most notable example of its bold moves in sport, but the Gulf state's involvement in tennis is also significant and should not be ignored.
The country's capital city, Riyadh, hosted this year's WTA Finals, the biggest tournament on the WTA's calendar outside the Grand Slams. Coco Gauff won the title after a thrilling final against Qinwen Zheng.
Riyadh also hosted the Six Kings Slam exhibition, which featured Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. It was Nadal's penultimate professional appearance before retiring.
The massive financial incentives are the most significant reason the ATP and WTA are willing to partner with Saudi Arabia. Gauff and Six Kings Slam exhibition champion Sinner received the largest paychecks ever given to a male and female player.
Nadal is also an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, a controversial move given the country's human rights record. He has defended himself by insisting his presence does more good than harm.
The 14-time French Open champion's ambassadorial role means he will be present at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, which might give the eight players in the draw even more motivation to play well.
There are two groups at the tournament. Arthur Fils, the only player to be ranked inside the Top 20, is in the blue group. After an exceptional 2024 season, the Frenchman is the favorite to win the tournament.
20-year-old Fils secured two ATP 500 titles at the Hamburg Open on clay and the Japan Open on hard courts. His progress into the Top 20 in the rankings is an exceptional achievement and has raised his profile.
Mensik, who won this year's ATP Newcomer of the Year Award, is also in Fils' group. His matchup with the Frenchman could be the most exciting at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals after the progress both men have made.
Joao Fonseca and Learner Tien are the other two players in Fils' group. Fonseca generated headlines in February with a stunning run to the title at the Cordoba Open on clay, but he is not yet as strong on hard courts.
The red group members are Alex Michelsen, Shang Juncheng, Luca van Assche, and Nishesh Basavareddy. Michelsen's powerful style might suit the conditions in Jeddah, and he could be the biggest favorite for the title after Fils.
| Red Group | Blue Group |
|---|---|
| Alex Michelsen | Arthur Fils |
| Shang Juncheng | Jakub Mensik |
| Luca Van Assche | Learner Tien |
| Nishesh Basavareddy | Joao Fonseca |