Fueling Tomorrow: The Mindset Behind #NextGenATP Stars
Landaluce, Engel, and Cina share the secrets to their success.
November 17, 2025
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Federico Cina, Justin Engel, and Martin Landaluce reveal what motivates them.
By Jerome Coombe
“Nerves are opportunities,” is the powerful mantra that Martin Landaluce embodies during every match—a perspective that encapsulates the essence of this new generation of players.
As the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF loom on the horizon, Landaluce, Justin Engel, and Federico Cina are showcasing that the drive of future champions is fueled not by mere chance or talent, but by the fundamental tools they’ve honed: discipline, joy, connection, and a mindset that transforms pressure into a catalyst for growth.
This season, Landaluce celebrated his second ATP Masters 1000 win in Cincinnati and clinched another title at the ATP Challenger Tour in Orleans just a month later. His achievements have positioned him strongly for the upcoming event in Jeddah, demonstrating a wisdom that belies his 19 years and begins off the court.
“I engage in numerous activities outside tennis that nurture my mental health, like reading, meditation, and breathing exercises,” Landaluce shared with ATPTour.com. “Staying focused stems from discipline rather than motivation for me. Many believe motivation is key, but I find discipline ignites my drive.
“As you progress in an endeavor, enjoyment naturally follows, and that’s where motivation blossoms.”
At just 14, Landaluce joined the Rafa Nadal Academy, gaining invaluable insights from the 22-time major champion and former world No. 1. Pairing this experience with psychological training has equipped him to manage pressure effectively, seeing nerves as signs of growth instead of fear.
“This journey has fostered my personal and athletic growth,” he expressed regarding his psychological work. “Understanding that nerves are positive—they signify that you care—has been invaluable. Nerves are opportunities.”
“Managing pressure from victories, country, club, or external expectations can be daunting for teens. However, psychology has taught me to remain calm, ignore distractions, and focus on what truly counts.”
Engel, another standout in this year’s PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah, embodies a similar thread of discipline throughout his 2025 season, marked by noteworthy progress and a thrilling run in Stuttgart. At 17, he became the second-youngest player since 1990 to win tour-level matches across all surfaces, following in Nadal’s footsteps. He also recently triumphed over fellow Next Gen contender Cina in a nail-biting final to secure his first ATP Challenger title.
Watch Engel in action during his first ATP Tour quarter-final in Stuttgart:
Despite achieving these milestones, Engel remains down-to-earth, fueled by simple routines and a steadfast dedication to the sport.
“When I find myself with free time, I often connect with friends for two to three hours,” Engel revealed. On match days, he honors his routine: “I always start my morning with six eggs.”
However, akin to Landaluce, Engel’s success hinges on discipline.
“I repeatedly say that motivation is secondary to discipline,” the 18-year-old commented. “I aim to give my all. While motivation can ignite passion, it’s discipline that sustains it. You simply need to be dedicated and professional in your craft.”
Meanwhile, Cina is carving an impressive path in 2025, having secured his first tour-level victory at the ATP Masters 1000 in Miami and reached three ATP Challenger finals this year.
For Cina, maintaining a steady mindset is just as essential as striving for success. In his downtime, he finds solace in the familiar comforts of home.
“I tend to stay relaxed, even before crucial matches,” said Cina, who reached the US Open semi-finals as a junior in 2023. “I enjoy video calling friends, as I miss them when traveling. Although I love the journey, home is irreplaceable. Yet, since tennis is my passion, I embrace this experience.”
Federico Cina made his tour-level main-draw debut in Miami. Photo: Peter Staples/ATP Tour.
The long season hasn’t come without its hurdles, but the 18-year-old approaches everything with a calm perspective, bolstered by the support of his father, Francesco Cina, a former pro himself.
“I faced a recent illness during a tournament, leading to a challenging phase,” Cina admitted. “I’m somewhat fatigued from the season, but my coach and dad encourage me to find joy in practice. Embracing this mindset is crucial; success will follow. We often discuss sports, and my love for football helps me decompress from tennis.”
Cina’s calmness contrasts with a powerful mantra that Landaluce carries in moments of stress, one imparted by his father during pivotal matches.
“My dad always reminds me on court: ‘You’re alone. Help yourself to win.’ It’s a simple yet profound truth. In tennis, you’re isolated. Unlike team sports, you handle every emotion, decision, and ounce of pressure alone.”
This serves as a crucial reminder that while each player heading to Jeddah has unique rituals and sources of inspiration, their journeys share a common core. Through discipline, friendship, and joy, they are learning to lean on themselves and harness every moment—including pressure—as fuel for the future.
This feature is part of our Next Gen ATP series Next in Line. Discover our other stories here:
Wimbledon dreams, Nishikori’s run & Vinci’s courtside lessons: Next Gen stars share their memories
Next Steps: How Tien, Basavareddy & Engel are taking their leap
Learning from Legends: Nadal, Cilic & Ram inspiring #NextGenATP stars
