Tien faces unbeaten Blockx in Subsequent Gen ATP Finals redemption bid

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Tien faces unbeaten Blockx in Subsequent Gen ATP Finals redemption bid

Final yr’s finalist Tien meets big-time debutant Blockx on Sunday not earlier than 8 p.m. AST/ 6 p.m CET

December 20, 2025

Who might be topped tennis’ latest rising star on the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals offered by PIF in Jeddah?

High seeds Learner Tien and Alexander Blockx will sq. off in Sunday’s title match, scheduled for not earlier than 8 p.m. AST (6 p.m. CET), after each gamers made compelling statements all through the week. Armed with heavy groundstrokes from each wings, 6’4” debutant Blockx stormed into the ultimate with a flawless 4-0 report, whereas Tien is discovering his rhythm after a shaky begin as he appears to be like to make amends for his championship-match defeat to Joao Fonseca in 2024.

There’s additionally a delicate however significant subplot to the ultimate. Blockx defeated Tien within the 2023 Australian Open boys’ last, edging a dramatic third-set tie-break 11-9. It was a gripping encounter — maybe a glimpse of what awaits in Jeddah — and one that continues to be etched within the American’s reminiscence.

“The one factor I bear in mind is that it was probably the most heartbreaking lack of my life as much as that time,” Tien stated with amusing. “We’ve clearly each improved rather a lot since then. I’ll must relaxation up and kind a brand new sport plan. Hopefully I can come out properly tomorrow. I feel it will likely be a very robust match.”

Whereas the pair crossed paths in juniors, Sunday’s conflict marks their first Lexus ATP Head2Head assembly. It additionally represents the primary last between the event’s high two seeds since 2021, when Carlos Alcaraz defeated Sebastian Korda in Milan.

Tien, the World No. 28, gained his first ATP Tour title in Metz final month and has earned 5 wins over High 10 gamers in 2025. The 20-year-old can also be the one High 100 participant within the Jeddah discipline, however Blockx might be up for the struggle.

“In opposition to Learner, it might be a very epic one after Australia two years in the past,” Blockx stated earlier than the result of Tien’s semi-final. “I wish to play in opposition to lefties, however to be trustworthy, I don’t care who I’m taking part in tomorrow, it’s going to be enjoyable.”

Blockx and Tien meet once more 🏆

2023 ➡️ Australian Open Juniors Final2025 ➡️ Subsequent Gen ATP Ultimate#NextGenATPFinals pic.twitter.com/kN085WXezq

— Subsequent Gen ATP Finals (@nextgenfinals) December 20, 2025

Tien has dropped his serve 10 occasions en path to the ultimate, in keeping with Infosys ATP Stats. In opposition to the fearless-serving Blockx, who has been damaged simply 5 occasions this week, the American might want to tighten these numbers in Sunday’s decider.

Belgium’s Blockx, who has struck 107 winners throughout his 4 victories, has appeared proper at residence in his debut look on the 20-and-under occasion. In distinction, Tien — one in every of solely returners — has recovered from a gradual begin earlier than discovering a few of his finest tennis when it mattered most.

“I didn’t really feel tremendous settled in once I acquired right here,” stated Tien, who let slip 4 match factors to Rafael Jodar in his opener. “It’s not like everybody’s tremendous match match, particularly with the completely different format. It throws you off. I feel it helped just a little bit [reaching the final last year] however I wouldn’t say it’s made an enormous distinction.”

Off the court docket, Blockx has made probably the most of his time in Jeddah, utilizing the occasion as a possibility to construct friendships together with his fellow opponents — a side he values extremely.

“It might positively imply rather a lot,” Blockx stated about the opportunity of successful the title. “However what means probably the most is that I had a lot enjoyable this week. I’ve loved each second of it. I additionally acquired nearer to the fellows, who’re all very good. Relationships off the court docket are crucial. I really feel like my week couldn’t have gone any higher, so I’m simply pleased with all of the matches I’ve had.”

Having gained two ATP Challenger Tour titles and risen to a career-high No. 101 within the PIF ATP Rankings in 2025, Blockx seems poised for a High 100 breakthrough. But another victory in Jeddah might reshape the course of his younger profession.

An undefeated title run might earn the 20-year-old $539,750, a sum exceeding his earlier profession prize cash by greater than $30,000. Standing in his approach is Tien, who arrives with unfinished enterprise of his personal, decided to go one step additional than final season and crown his 2025 breakthrough by lifting the trophy that slipped from his grasp in 2024.