Arthur Fils and Other Rising Stars Set to Compete at Next Gen ATP Finals
Frenchman Fils to Make Debut in Jeddah
Arthur Fils, along with Dominic Stricker, Luca Van Assche, and Flavio Cobolli, has secured a spot in the highly anticipated Next Gen ATP Finals. The innovative 21-and-under event will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from November 28 to December 2.
Fils, a 19-year-old French tennis prodigy, has had a breakthrough season on the ATP Tour. Starting the year ranked No. 251 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Fils has climbed to an impressive World No. 36. He claimed his first tour-level title in Lyon in May and reached the final in Antwerp last month. Fils has also made it to the semi-finals in Montpellier, Marseille, and Hamburg, showcasing his immense talent and potential.
Joining Fils at the Next Gen ATP Finals is his compatriot, Luca Van Assche. The 19-year-old rising star has qualified for the event for the first time. Van Assche has had a successful year, winning two ATP Challenger Tour titles and reaching the quarter-finals at the ATP 500 in Hamburg. Notably, he even won a set against the legendary Novak Djokovic in Banja Luka, proving his ability to compete at the highest level.
Swiss left-hander Dominic Stricker will also be making his second appearance at the 21-and-under event after reaching the semi-finals last year. The 21-year-old has shown significant progress this season, highlighted by his impressive run to the fourth round at the US Open. Stricker’s outstanding performance in New York propelled him into the Top 100 for the first time in his career.
Italian talent Flavio Cobolli has secured his place in Jeddah with a strong finish to the year. The 21-year-old clinched an ATP Challenger Tour title in Lisbon in August and reached the finals in Romania and Italy in recent weeks. Cobolli, currently ranked World No. 100, also reached the quarter-finals in Munich earlier this year, further establishing himself as a rising star in the tennis world.
Adding to the excitement of the Next Gen ATP Finals is the inclusion of Abdullah Shelbayh, who has received a wild card for the event. Shelbayh, a 19-year-old from Jordan, will be the first player from his country to compete in the tournament. He has already made a name for himself with tour-level wins in Banja Luka and Metz this season. Shelbayh’s historic victory in Charleston in October made him the first Jordanian player to win an ATP Challenger Tour title.
Unfortunately, Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti have withdrawn from the tournament due to medical and personal reasons, respectively. However, fans can still look forward to witnessing the incredible talent of Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, who will be competing at the Nitto ATP Finals this month and are therefore exempt from the Next Gen ATP Finals.
The sixth edition of the Next Gen ATP Finals promises to be a thrilling showcase of the sport’s brightest young stars. The tournament will be held at the prestigious King Abdullah Sports City, offering fans the opportunity to witness the future of tennis. Tickets are available for purchase now, ensuring an unforgettable experience for tennis enthusiasts.