Next Gen ATP Finals
An inspired Blockx is the first finalist in Jeddah
The Belgian will play the final this Sunday
December 20, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
By ATP Editorial in Spanish
Alexander Blockx wants to have the future in his hands. The Belgian climbed this Saturday to the final of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, beating the Norwegian Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 4-3(4), 4-3(8), 4-2 to become the obvious candidate for the throne in Jeddah. With permanent leg speed, the Central European confirmed a full adaptation to the conditions of the indoor pool in Saudi Arabia, where this Sunday he will seek to take over from Joao Fonseca.
“It may have been straight sets, but it was my most difficult match in the tournament,” Blockx acknowledged. “I think we both played at a very high level. In the second set, fortune fell on my side. We had very long exchanges and I feel very happy to have shared this moment with him.”
“We have been talking about the Next Gen for a long time. In September we said: ‘imagine if we qualify for Jeddah and play there. It has been special to be able to share this match with him. He is one of my best friends on the circuit, so it was a very nice Saturday for me.’
The one from Antwerp confirmed the symptom sown during the week, after being the only one capable of overcoming the challenge of the group stage undefeated. Under the watchful eye of Philippe Cassiers, the man who has guided his blows since childhood, Blockx knew how to impose order in decisive moments to once again find his way to victory.
Jeddah witnessed a duel between two of the most promising figures in the locker room, consolidating the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF as an impeccable window to the future of the sport. Blockx and Budkov Kjaer, former world No. 1 and junior Grand Slam champions, fought a duel full of attractions, starting a rivalry that could extend for years to come. Two European talents with enough weapons to lead the advancement of their generation.
After adding four consecutive victories, Blockx will seek the title of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF this Sunday against the current runner-up Learner Tien or Nishesh Basavareddy, protagonists of the second semifinal in Jeddah.
“It sounds exciting”; Blockx said with the prospect of this Sunday’s final. “I’m going to prepare as best I can. Physically I’m feeling good, although these games are tough and you have less time between points. The rallies are longer and, not having an advantage, you don’t have much time to think. The most important thing is to stay calm, that’s what I’m doing.”
Blockx wants to put the best finishing touch to a blossoming 2025 season, in which he won two ATP Challenger Tour indoor titles in addition to adding his first ATP Tour triumphs. The Belgian, who cut his teeth in final Masters 1000 draws and came close to making his Grand Slam debut, can close the season with notable inertia, becoming one of the great faces to watch in 2026.
The Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF faces its eighth edition, bringing together some of the best U-20 tennis players of the year as the culmination of the ATP Tour season. Among its former champions are Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas. This year it takes place from December 17 to 21 in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
