The stage is all set as the young rising stars in tennis are set to claim the prestigious ATP Next Gen title. While top-ranked players look forward to the upcoming season, it is now time for the younger ones on tour to test their levels at the Nex Gen ATP Finals. Amid the building pressure, American ATP star Alex Michelsen is one name that has emerged as the fans’ favorite. Here’s a look back to the highly challenging words that sparked immense rivalry among competitors.

Alex Michelsen is determined to make his mark at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah this year. The young American star reflected on his debut experience and shared his goals for the upcoming event. “Next Gen was a good experience even though I didn’t win a match,” Michelsen admitted. “I’m planning on going back there this year and hopefully going to get some revenge on everybody and maybe at least win one match this time. That’s the goal. I’ve got to start with one.”

Just a year ago, Michelsen had not yet won a main draw match on the ATP Tour. At 18 years old, he was still planning a college tennis career at the University of Georgia. But his life changed at the Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport, where he stunned the tennis world by reaching the final. That achievement convinced him to turn professional, and he has since emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. Now, at 19, Michelsen is back in Newport, competing in the semi-finals.

“It’s pretty fun. The two best ATP tournaments that I’ve played have been here back to back years. I’m definitely coming with a lot more experience and I feel like I’ve been using that this week. I’ve got two straight-set wins over two very good players. So really happy with that. And yeah, last year was a whirlwind for me,” Michelsen said.

Alex Michelsen recalled how fans bombarded him with questions about going professional after his breakthrough in Newport last year. “It was a lot. Just walking from the hotel to here, everyone was saying, ‘Hi, good luck’, all this. I like to keep it low key and it was a lot for me. It was a lot for me, but I didn’t hate it. I feel like I was rewarded for all my hard work. And everyone got to see that last year, because there were many, many years behind the scenes just grinding. So yes, some negatives, but mostly positives. I’ve loved it,” Michelsen said.

Now, Michelsen is ready to compete in the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals, set to begin Wednesday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. The top eight players aged 20 and under will compete, including Michelsen, Arthur Fils, Jakub Mensik, Shang Juncheng, Learner Tien, Luca Van Assche, Nishesh Basavareddy, and Joao Fonseca. Players will compete in a round-robin format, with three matches played over three days from December 18 to December 20. Matches will take place in two daily sessions, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time. Michelsen hopes to prove himself and achieve the redemption he is aiming for. But he is not the only potential star to look forward to.

Alex Michelsen and others gear up for 2024 Next Gen ATP finals

The 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah will feature a star-studded lineup of rising talents, with Frenchman Arthur Fils leading the pack as the top seed. Fils, who was the runner-up at last year’s event, enters the tournament in strong form. The 20-year-old claimed two ATP 500 titles in Hamburg and Tokyo this year and finished the season inside the Top 20. He will face a tough challenge in the Blue Group, which includes 2024 ATP Newcomer of the Year Jakub Mensik, American Learner Tien, and Brazil’s Joao Fonseca. Fonseca, just 18, made history as the youngest ATP Challenger champion this year with his victory in Lexington at age 17.

Jakub Mensik, 19, is another exciting prospect in the tournament. The Czech star cut his ranking by over 100 spots this season with a series of standout performances. He reached the Doha final in February, made the third round at the US Open, and earned his first ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal appearance in Shanghai. In the Blue Group, he will compete against experienced players like Fils, but his rapid rise and aggressive game style make him a dangerous opponent.

Second-seeded Alex Michelsen leads the American contingent, which includes Nishesh Basavareddy and Learner Tien. Michelsen, 19, reached two ATP finals this year and is a strong contender in the Red Group. Joining him in the group are Chengdu champion Shang Juncheng, Luca Van Assche of France, and Basavareddy, who earned a wild card for the Australian Open with his strong performances this fall. Fils, Michelsen, and Van Assche are all returning to the tournament after competing last year, adding an extra layer of experience to their campaigns. The battle for the season-ending crown promises intense competition and thrilling matches.