Budkov Kjaer qualifies for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer has qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF for the first time.
The 19-year-old Norwegian, who has claimed four ATP Challenger Tour titles in 2025, is the sixth player to secure a spot at the 20-and-under event, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 17-21 December. Budkov Kjaer is at a career-high No. 132 in the PIF ATP Rankings following an impressive rise.
While his continued success on the ATP Challenger Tour has been a solid foundation, it was his breakthrough performance in Bastad — where he came through qualifying before downing Thiago Monteiro for his maiden ATP Tour win — that put him into firm contention in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah.
The 2024 Wimbledon boys’ champion grew up idolising fellow Norwegian Casper Ruud. Having trained alongside the former World No. 2 and three-time major finalist, Budkov Kjaer describes Ruud as a “big brother” figure, learning valuable lessons along the way.
At the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, Budkov Kjaer will look to join the ranks of elite former champions, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, whom the Norwegian hit with as a sparring partner at the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals.
Jakub Mensik, Learner Tien, Alexander Blockx, Dino Prizmic and Martin Landaluce have also qualified for the 20-and-under event.
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