World junior number 1 beats Carreno Busta
The Montemar Challenger was the scene of a dazzling surprise on Wednesday. Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, a young Norwegian aged just 18, created a sensation by eliminating former top 10 Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta (6-7, 6-4, 6-4).
Ranked 663rd in the world, Budkov Kjaer scored the greatest victory of his young career. Although his opponent of the day has yet to rediscover the form that took him to the pinnacle of world tennis, the young Norwegian's performance was no less impressive. In the face of a much more experienced player, he showed his composure and ability to respond in decisive moments.
For a place in the semi-finals, he will face a lower-ranked player, Inaki Montes De La Torre, with hopes of extending his magnificent run. With this victory, the world's number one junior is guaranteed a place in the Top 600.
At just 18 years of age, he could well be one of the curiosities of the 2025 season.