Next Gen ATP Finals: Budkov Kjaer and Tien Secure Their Qualification for the Semifinals
The group stages of the Next Gen ATP Finals have just delivered their verdict. Earlier in the day, Alexander Blockx, already qualified for the semifinals, was joined by Nishesh Basavareddy.
For the evening session in Jeddah, suspense was on the menu in the blue group. After Rafael Jodar's convincing victory over Martin Landaluce (4-3, 4-1, 4-3), the group's outcome would be decided in the match between Learner Tien and Nicolai Budkov Kjaer.
To stay in contention, Jodar had to hope that Tien would not win in four sets.
A favorable scenario for Tien
Despite losing the first set in a tie-break, the American kept his composure to take control over the Norwegian in the next three sets. A victory with a score of 3-4, 4-1, 4-2, 4-2 allows him to reach the tournament semifinals for the second year in a row.
The semifinal matchups, to be played tomorrow, are now known: Tien will challenge his compatriot Basavareddy, while Blockx will face off against Budkov Kjaer.
Next Gen ATP Finals
Davis Cup: between reforms, criticism and national culture
When tennis stars change courts: from Noah the singer to Safin the deputy, another match – the battle of reinvention
As a laboratory for tomorrow’s tennis, does the Next Gen Masters have a future?
Tennis: the little-known truths about the offseason, between rest, stress and physical survival