Phils, Michelsen, Mensik and Shang, among the stars #NextGenATP in 2024 | ATP Tour

The Best of 2024

Fils, Michelsen, Mensik and Shang, among the stars #NextGenATP in 2024

Basavareddy, Fonseca, Tien and Van Assche also shone

December 09, 2024

The world’s biggest #NextGenATP stars will land next week in Jeddah to compete in the seventh edition of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.

Arthur Fils, Alex Michelsen, Jakub Mensik, Shang Juncheng, Learner Tien, Luca van Assche, Nishesh Basavareddy and Joao Fonseca will compete in the under-21 tournament, looking to follow in the footsteps of former champions such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Ahead of the tournament, ATPTour.com looks back at some of his highlights as part of the Best of 2024 special. This Wednesday, we focus on first-time winners, with Shang among the stars.

Arthur Fils (20 years old)
The Frenchman extended his breakout 2023 season with great results in ATP 500 tournaments throughout 2024. Fils lifted titles in Hamburg and Tokyo, crowning the 2024 ATP 500 Bonus Pool.

“I feel very happy with the tennis I’m playing,” Fils said after triumphing in Tokyo. “I’m working very hard, trying to build my tennis. I think it has improved from Hamburg to Tokyo. I still have room to improve, but it’s fantastic.”

The Frenchman debuted in the Top 20 of the PIF ATP Rankings in July, racking up Top 10 wins against Hubert Hurkacz, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz. Will he be able to round out his 2024 with a title in Saudi Arabia?

Alex Michelsen – 20 years
The American has strengthened his game in 2024, after turning heads in July 2023 by making his way to the final in Newport. Michelsen returned to fight for the title on the Rhode Island grass in 2024, also winning the final in Winston-Salem and the semifinals in Metz.

After accumulating this progress, Michelsen cannot hide his satisfaction.

“I tried not to put pressure on myself this year,” Michelsen told ATPTour.com this season. “Even on the court, I felt like I was always cheering myself up no matter the score. Whether I won or lost a point. I would say things loudly or softly to myself. I’ve felt like the pressure hasn’t gotten to me.”

Special Road To Jeddah

Jakub Mensik (19 years old)
Armed with a powerful game, Mensik reached new heights in 2024.

The Czech had a vibrant start to the season, overcoming the qualifying phase to reach the second round of the Australian Open. He then reached his first ATP Tour final in Doha, defeating Top 10 Andrey Rublev and former World No. 1 Andy Murray. Presences in the quarterfinals in Shanghai and Vienna allowed Mensik to close the season in the Top 50 of the PIF ATP Rankings, after having started the year as world No. 167.

Off the slopes, Mensik had to apply himself to complete his final exams in Czech, English and geography.

“It was quite complicated at that time. I was also doing final exams at school, that was also an important part of my life. Before a Grand Slam I had to take final exams and I was injured in my elbow,” Mensik said. “I felt very nervous, but I think I made the right decision to focus on my studies and not compete at Roland Garros.”

“It was a difficult decision, of course, but I must say that I made a very good decision. After that, I felt much happier playing on the court without pain. And, obviously, with good grades in studies.”

Shang Juncheng (19 years old)
Shang made history for Chinese tennis in September by winning his first ATP Tour title in Chengdu. By winning in his native country, he became the second Chinese champion in ATP Tour history (Wu Yibing, Dallas 2023).

This left-hander’s dynamic game has posed difficulties for many opponents in 2024, reaching the semi-finals in Atlanta and Hong Kong.

Shang gives a lot of credit to his parents, both former professional athletes.

“When I came to the sport, they both helped me as athletes,” Shang told ATPTour.com at Wimbledon. “My mother played an individual sport, she knew how to compete with herself and what it’s like to have a team around her. My parents played in a team discipline and it’s something different. But by having contact, she knows the importance of physical fitness and measures to prevent injuries. All this was perfect for me since I was a child, it allowed me to grow up in a family that understands it. They have taught me many things, basically everything I know, that is very positive.

Basavareddy, Fonseca, Tien y Van Assche brillan
The American Basavareddy closed 2024 totally inspired. Since September he has won two ATP Challenger Tour titles and reached three other finals in that category. Inspired by Rajeev Ram, at 19 years old he will go to Jeddah full of confidence.

Brazilian Fonseca left his mark on the clay of Rio de Janeiro, reaching the quarterfinals at the ATP 500 in his native country. The South American, who also reached the quarterfinals in Bucharest, was grateful for the support that Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten gave him.

“My first contact with Guga came in the Davis Cup at the beginning of the year,” Fonseca told ATPTour.com in the series. Next Gen Influences. “He gave good advice to the entire team. [Compartió] his experience, the way he managed his career after so many injuries. He is very inspiring and is an idol. “He is a great person and told us very nice things.”

Tien lifted three ATP Challenger Tour trophies in 2024, more than any other participant in Jeddah. Van Asshe, who already played in the Saudi tournament in 2023, made his way to the third round of the Australian Open in January.