We have reached the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the original field of eight at the Next Gen ATP Finals has been trimmed to four. With previous winners such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Joao Fonseca, winning this event has been a strong corollary for future ATP success. No. 1 seed Learner Tien is the odds-on favorite to claim the title, but he will first have to get by fellow American Nishesh Basavareddy in the semifinals.

As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for both matches on the slate, but who will advance?

Next Gen ATP Finals Semifinal Predictions
Alexander Blockx vs Nicolai Budkov Kjaer

Head-to-Head: first meeting

No. 2 seed Alexander Blockx was the only player to go a perfect 3-0 in group play, dropping just two sets throughout his victories. The 20-year-old Belgian had a terrific Challenger Tour season and is 26-11 in all competitions since July. He squares off against Norwegian Nicolai Budkov Kjaer for the first time. Budkov Kjaer went on an unbelievable run to close the season, putting up a 24-5 Challenger Tour record since late-July. He plays clean, powerful tennis, and has a very bright future in the sport. Expect this match to go the distance. Whoever plays the big points (i.e., the sudden-death points) better should find their way to the final. I’ll go with the Belgian.

Prediction: Blockx in 5

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Learner Tien vs Nishesh Basavareddy

Head-to-Head: Tien 3-0 Basavareddy

After losing his first match of the tournament, No. 1 seed Learner Tien bounced back with two wins to send himself into the Next Gen ATP Finals semifinals. He squares off against compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy, a player Tien has beaten three times over the last 18 months. The former Stanford Cardinal broke into the Top 100 earlier this year but has struggled with the consistency the ATP Tour demands. So far in Jeddah, Basavareddy has struck the ball well. He should push Tien, but it’s tough to pick against the No. 1 seed. There is a reason he is ranked No. 28 in the world.

Prediction: Tien in 4

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images