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Shang Juncheng is a teenage sensation — a “compound of menace and energy” according to analyst Robbie Koenig — who overwhelms opponents with relentless force. With a contagious smile and a teddy bear always attached to his tennis bag, the 19-year-old is enjoying his journey as one of the sport’s fastest rising #NextGenATP stars.
The word ‘historic’ is often associated with the Chinese teen, who this year became the first player from the Asian country to win an ATP Tour title on home soil. Led by his triumph in Chengdu, Shang has his sights set on being the first Chinese player to qualify for the 20-and-under Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, which has featured champions such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“I've had an amazing year and the Next Gen ATP Finals is very important for my future,” Shang said in our new ‘Journey To Jeddah’ series. “In that event, all the tennis spotlight is on you because you know there are only eight players.”
Fittingly, Shang's ascent has been fast — the very word his coach Martin Alund used to describe what initially stood out about the lefty. “At the beginning, I was like, ‘Oh, I cannot believe how fast you are!’” Alund recalled in the longform video, which also features an interview with ‘Jerry’s’ father Shang Yi.
While fans have become more familiar with Shang, the 19-year-old’s season, from his perspective, has been more about accomplishing goals than a surprising breakthrough. He remembers telling a friend earlier this year that he would capture his maiden tour-level title before his home tournament in Beijing. Shang achieved that with no time to spare. He defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the ATP 250 final just two days before he was competing in Beijing.
Tickets for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, to be held in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, are now on sale.
The 20-and-under event takes place from 18-22 December at King Abdullah Sports City on indoor hard courts. Tickets to catch the action can be purchased here.
The Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF was first hosted in Jeddah in 2023 when Hamad Medjedovic lifted the title. Previous winners of the 20-and-under event include Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Arthur Fils, Alex Michelsen, Jakub Mensik and Shang Juncheng have qualified for the seventh edition of the event and there are four qualification spots still open.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]
Arthur Fils, Alex Michelsen, Jakub Mensik and Shang Juncheng have qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, to be held from 18-22 December.
Frenchman Fils reached the title match in Jeddah last year and has enjoyed another impressive season on Tour, highlighted by ATP 500 titles in Hamburg and Basel. The 20-year-old, who topped the 2024 ATP 500 Bonus Pool, is 37-26 on the season.
American Michelsen is set to return to Jeddah, having made his debut at the 20-and-under event last year. The 20-year-old made his Top 50 breakthrough in August and is currently at No. 42 in the PIF ATP Rankings, one spot off his career high.
Michelsen reached tour-level finals in Newport and Winston-Salem in 2024 and advanced to the third round at a major for the first time at the Australian Open.
Mensik and Shang will make their debuts in Jeddah, having made major progress in 2024. The 19-year-old Czech Mensik started the year at No. 167 in the PIF ATP Rankings but will arrive at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF at No. 48.
Jannik Sinner rounded out his stunning year in a typically cool and collected fashion on Sunday in Malaga.
The No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(2), 6-2 to seal a second consecutive Davis Cup title for Italy. After Matteo Berrettini earlier defeated Botic van de Zandschulp, Sinner’s win completed a 2-0 triumph for his country against the Netherlands and capped another year in which Italian tennis has enjoyed considerable success across the board.
“It has been an amazing year. I’m very proud of the whole team,” said Sinner. “There is a lot of work behind it and I’m very happy to hold this trophy again. It was a very difficult day today, because anything can happen.”
Sinner saved the only two break points of the opening set against Griekspoor, before clinching it in a tie-break. In the second set, he responded to letting slip an early break lead by reeling off four straight games from 2-2 to earn a 91-minute victory and spark ecstatic celebrations among his teammates.
Phenomenal season. Incredible player! ? ??@janniksin shines again to secure @federtennis their second consecutive Davis Cup title! ?@DavisCup | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/Zl1aNtT6I5
With victory in a rematch of last year's Davis Cup final against Australia, defending champions Italy are back in the title round thanks to contrasting singles wins for Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini on Saturday in Malaga. The Italians advanced behind a 2-0 semi-final scoreline, with Sinner beating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 after Berrettini edged Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5.
Berrettini needed two hours, 39 minutes to dispatch Kokkinakis, who won a third-set tie-break against Ben Shelton of the United States in his previous outing. The Aussie struck first after saving two set points from 4/6 in the opening tie-break, having stopped his opponent from serving out the opening set at 6-5. But Berrettini would not surrender another break in the match as he powered Italy into a 1-0 lead.
"After I lost the first set, it wasn't easy to digest that," said the Italian. "But I'm fighting for my country with this crowd, so I'm happy."
[ATP AWARDS]
At 5-5 in the third set, Berrettini conjured a forehand squash shot from deep behind the baseline that angled sharply for a stunning winner. The majestic, driven slice left a stunned Kokkinakis stranded and sparked a run of six straight points from 15/0 to put Berrettini on the brink of victory.
Novak Djokovic announced on social media Saturday that longtime friend and rival Andy Murray will be his new coach.
Born one week apart in May 1987, both climbed to the top of the PIF ATP Rankings and battled on the world’s biggest stages. Djokovic and Murray clashed in 36 Lexus ATP Head2Head showdowns, with the former winning 25 of them.
[ATP AWARDS]The stars met in 19 finals, including the championship match at seven majors and the 2016 Nitto ATP Finals. They most recently played in the 2017 Doha final.
Murray retired from professional tennis earlier this year at the Paris Olympics.
Djokovic in March announced he had split with his coach of six years, Goran Ivanisevic. Djokovic and Murray will work together in the off season and during the Australian Open and will re-evaluate the partnership after the year's first major in Melbourne.
Tallon Griekspoor tied the bow on a stirring night of Davis Cup drama on Friday, propelling the Netherlands into the history books with their semi-final triumph over Germany.
The 28-year-old dug deep on Friday evening in Malaga to overcome Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4, securing the Dutchmen’s maiden final in the country’s 104-year history in the competition. In a serving masterclass from both players, it was Griekspoor who held his nerve to seal a 2-0 victory against three-time champions Germany.
“We have been talking about this [moment] for two or three years,” said Griekspoor. “We came here all the time with unbelievably tough draws, but we believed in ourselves so much. We always felt like this was possible. To do it now feels unbelievable. I am so happy for the team, and for Holland.
“I just tried to focus on my own game. I felt like he was playing unbelievable tennis, I didn’t do much wrong in the first set. I’m super proud of myself, super proud of the effort and very happy to get the win in the end.”
The Dutch army makes history! ?@DavisCup | #DavisCup | @KNLTB pic.twitter.com/GV6Bz91C6D
Ethan Quinn has thoroughly enjoyed his first full season as a professional, whether it was winning his maiden ATP Challenger Tour title in his final tournament of the year or indulging in two off-court passions: visiting coffee shops and antique stores.
The #NextGenATP American turned pro in June 2023 shortly after winning the NCAA singles title while competing for the University of Georgia. While in Athens for a memorable 16 months, Quinn became a coffee-shop enthusiast in part thanks to Georgia’s assistant coach Will Reynolds.
“When we were on the road, at like 6 a.m. he would go and find a local coffee shop wherever we were at. Often times I’d just ask him, ‘Hey, can I join?’” Quinn told ATPTour.com. “By doing that, I just started to enjoy going to these local places. I felt like it was just better than buying this corporate coffee. The quality was better, the people really cared about conversing with you rather than just being a factory giving out coffee.”
[ATP APP]It was also in college when Quinn began exploring antique stores — a hobby he has since brought with him while travelling across the world.
“My mom got a house in Athens during my college time and the way she furnished the house was by going to antique stores, so I would go with her and I thought it was really cool going to all these different markets and little stores,” Quinn said.
Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner kept alive Italy’s hopes of defending its Davis Cup title on Thursday, when they sealed the Final 8 tie against Argentina with a deciding doubles victory.
The Italians dropped the opening singles match, but fittingly, it was the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings who was heroic, beginning with a 6-2, 6-1 win against Sebastian Baez. Sinner returned to court, teaming Berrettini to down Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 6-4, 7-5.
Next stop ? semi-finals ??
Sinner/Berrettini seal the deal for Italy ?@DavisCup | #DavisCup | @federtennis
pic.twitter.com/I1le0tn6rb
Berrettini and Sinner won 90 per cent of their first-serve points and fended off all five break points they faced. They earned a key break at 5-5 in the second set, creating a buzz amongst Italian fans in Malaga as the fan favourites closed in on victory. Italy will next face Australia in the Davis Cup semi-finals, a rematch of last year’s championship.
The 23-year-old Sinner arrived in Spain fresh off claiming the Nitto ATP Finals trophy and has carried his momentum forward. In his singles rubber against Baez, Sinner did not face a break point until 4-0 in the second set, erasing all four of the Argentine's chances that game to maintain a double-break lead.
"How old are you?"
"17."
"What are you playing in at the moment?"
"Junior tournaments, I was planning to be in the USA this week."
"What about next year?"
"I’d like to get a good result at the Junior Grand Slams, to improve as a player and make the jump to real tennis, with adults."
"Stick at it, it’s a long road, but the most important thing is that you enjoy it."
The words of advice came from Rafael Nadal, he was talking to Andres Santamarta. The 17-year-old enjoyed the experience of a lifetime this week at the Davis Cup Finals, where he had the privilege of forming part of the Spanish team as a sparring partner.
Is 2024 the year Australia finally returns to the Davis Cup winner’s circle?
The 28-time champion took a dramatic step towards its first title in the teams’ event since 2003 on Thursday with a thrilling 2-1 victory against the United States in Malaga. Australia, runner-up in 2022 and 2023, can look to a remarkable opening singles win by Thanasi Kokkinakis as the key to its quarter-final triumph.
Kokkinakis saved four match points and let slip six of his own before prevailing 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(14) against Ben Shelton in the opening match of the tie. It was a thrilling reward for captain Lleyton Hewitt, who selected the No. 77 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the No. 2 singles match despite him being the fourth-highest ranked player on Australia’s roster.
“Making a selection is never easy,” said Hewitt. “Thanasi played two incredible matches in Valencia for us only a couple of months ago. We kind of put him on ice until now and unleashed him today. He fully repaid us. That was fantastic.”
16-14 ???@DavisCup | #DavisCup | @TennisAustraliapic.twitter.com/DwIXxfMlrz
A pair of crucial tie-break sets bookended a dramatic quarter-final tie on Wednesday at the Davis Cup Final 8, where Germany moved past Canada 2-0 in Malaga.
Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) to earn the winning point for Germany, which reached its first Davis Cup semi-final since 2021. The No. 43 in the PIF ATP Rankings Struff prevailed in a two-hour, seven-minute battle despite Canada’s Shapovalov firing 27 aces.
Earlier, Daniel Altmaier edged Gabriel Diallo in a 75-minute opening set en route to a 7-6(5), 6-4 triumph.
“Denis was playing amazing, coming out firing,” said Struff, who had served for the match at 5-4 in the third set. “It was a very tough match. He was serving so well. It was incredible. Second serves at like 180 km/h. It was tough to return. The court is very fast.
“I had my chance [in the third set]. I broke him and served for the match. I didn’t play the best game, but he was there and hit some winners. Even in the tie-break, I went up 4/3 and he then he hit a forehand winner. An incredible match… I’m just happy to get over the line at the end.”
To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
Being a great athlete goes far beyond the results achieved in competition.
Rafael Nadal understood this from the beginning. He involved himself in numerous social projects and created the Rafa Nadal Foundation in 2010, a platform that has enabled him to use sport as a source of aid, helping children and young people towards a quality future.
“I’ve always believed that for personal and professional development, opportunities are essential,” explained Nadal in a report from the foundation published on its 10th anniversary. “In 2010, we understood that I was in a position in which I could help create them, and that was when we decided to launch this life project. I honestly never imagined that we would be able to create the organisation that the Rafa Nadal Foundation is today."
[ATP AWARDS]Throughout all these years, the Rafa Nadal Foundation has provided for countless children, establishing a wide range of programmes such as the NETS project (Nadal Educational Tennis School) in India, the ‘More Than Tennis’ meetings (where athletes with intellectual disabilities get together from schools all across Spain), the Olazabal and Nadal golf tournaments, the opening of foundation centres in Palma, Valencia and Madrid, charity races, and countless other initiatives.
To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
Nadal’s first ATP Tour win against Ramon Delgado on the clay of his native Mallorca at the age of 15 was the first step in a legendary career that stretched across more than twenty years. The Spaniard has left in his wake an inordinate number of records that future generations will find hugely difficult to break.
ATPTour.com takes a look at the most significant stats of the Manacor native’s 22-season career.
[ATP AWARDS]14 titles at one Grand Slam
Nadal's Roland Garros record is probably the most spectacular of his career. After winning his first ‘Musketeer’s Trophy’ on his first appearance at the season's second major in 2005, he went on to claim a total of 14 titles (2005-08, 2010-14, 2017-2020, 2022) on the Paris clay. The mark puts him four ahead of his nearest challenger in terms of titles at one Grand Slam: Novak Djokovic with 10 Australian Opens.
Dear Rafa,
It has been a privilege to watch you evolve on our clay, where you will leave a perpetual mark on such a challenging surface.
We're proud to count you as our greatest champion, as much for your 14 titles as for the man you are. Your legacy will live on forever, on… pic.twitter.com/xJ9P96gRaM
To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
“We’ve achieved so many amazing things together, now it’s up to you to continue doing them.”
As he looked at his teammates from the centre of the court, the sincerest words spoken by Rafael Nadal at his farewell ceremony on Tuesday were addressed to the new generation of talent. In particular, one member of that group will be bidding to maintain and extend the legacy the Spaniard leaves behind: Carlos Alcaraz.
At 21 years of age, Alcaraz has equalled many of his childhood hero’s records for precociousness. He has already been the No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, won four Grand Slam titles and donned an Olympic silver medal.
“For us young players coming up, who have many years ahead of us, we’ve been lucky to see the era of Rafa, Federer and Djokovic, although [Novak] is still playing... that battle between those three gladiators, players who aren’t from this planet,” said Alcaraz.
To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
So much can happen during the lifetime of an elite. After a career spanning over 20 years, Rafael Nadal has decided to bring his time as a professional tennis player to an end. In doing so, he closes the door on the great rivalries that have shaped his life on the ATP Tour.
To mark the retirement of the Spanish superstar, ATPTour.com takes a look back at some of his biggest rivalries.
[ATP APP]Nadal vs. Roger Federer: 24-16 in the pair's Lexus ATP Head2Head series
Not only is it one of the biggest rivalries in the history of tennis, Nadal against Federer is one of the biggest rivalries in the history of sport; two foes who pushed each other to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Their diametrically contrasting styles generated a series of encounters that elevated tennis to previously unseen heights. The Spaniard and the Swiss won the hearts of fans in every corner of the planet every time they took court for another clash.
To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
Regardless of potential and promise, all tennis players first work through the ATP Challenger Tour to begin their climb to the upper echelons of the sport. Rafael Nadal was no exception.
In 2003, Nadal — then 16 years old — sported a baggy t-shirt with sleeves draped to his elbows as he captured his maiden Challenger title in Barletta, Italy. That afternoon on the Adriatic coast featured the biggest career title run for the Spanish teenager at the time. Now it is remembered as a pivotal moment in his rise to greatness.
[ATP APP]Nadal was already accustomed to milestones. Just two years earlier, the teen showcased his scintillating forehand and unmatched court coverage to become the third-youngest player to notch a Challenger match win.
As the No. 152 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, the lefty lifted his first ATP Challenger Tour title, defeating countryman Albert Portas 6-2, 7-6(2) in the Barletta final. Fittingly, Nadal’s first Challenger crown came on clay, the surface on which he claimed a record 63 tour-level titles.
To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
Following Rafael Nadal’s final match on Tuesday at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, a host of tennis legends, including Rod Laver, Serena Williams and Roger Federer, paid tribute to the Spanish great on social media.
There was also a considerable outpouring of praise from well-known figures from outside tennis. Messages such as one from former football superstar David Beckham are a reflection of the way Nadal has transcended sport.
Rafa, watching you compete has been a privilege. Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game. Thank you for the countless unforgettable moments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come. Wishing you happiness and… pic.twitter.com/gOgGAS7VCC
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) November 20, 2024
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be on the other side of the net to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? According to Luca Van Assche, the pace of the ball, the explosive movement and clean timing make it one of sports biggest tests.
As part of our Next Gen 'My Influences' series, the Frenchman opened the lid on his encounters with Alcaraz and Sinner, having hit with the former Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champions this year.
Van Assche, currently fifth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, also discusses his memories of facing 2018 champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in Melbourne, the support from his family and early Roland Garros memories.
[ATP APP]Which former Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion do you most identify with?
It's difficult because there are a lot of different players. But out of my game, I think I connect [most] with the first [champion], Hyeon Chung. He's very solid. Physically very good. He can hit a lot from the baseline with a very good backhand. I think the other guys are not really my type of game.
What memorable interactions have you had with the former Next Gen champions?
I played against [Stefanos] Tsitsipas this year at the Australian Open. It was my first time in the third round. It was nice. I practised with him also. I played Medjedovic last year and the others, I think I've just practised with Sinner, Alcaraz and Nakashima.
