Future Star
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer Secures Spot at the Next Gen ATP Finals Presented by PIF
The Norwegian sensation clinched four titles on the Challenger Tour in 2025.
November 28, 2025
Written by Pierre Froger
By ATP Staff
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer has made history by qualifying for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF for the very first time.
At just 19 years old, the Norwegian star has achieved an impressive feat with four ATP Challenger Tour titles this year, marking him as the sixth player to secure his place in the highly anticipated 20-and-under tournament, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from December 17-21. Budkov Kjaer has reached a career-best No. 132 in the PIF ATP Rankings following an exhilarating climb up the ranks.
His successful run on the ATP Challenger Tour has laid a strong groundwork, but it was his standout performance in Bastad—where he triumphed through qualifying and triumphed against Thiago Monteiro for his first ATP Tour victory—that catapulted him into the competition for the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah.
The 2024 Wimbledon boys’ champion idolized fellow Norwegian Casper Ruud during his youth. Having trained alongside the former World No. 2 and three-time Grand Slam finalist, Budkov Kjaer fondly refers to Ruud as a “big brother,” absorbing invaluable insights along his journey.
At the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, Budkov Kjaer aims to follow in the footsteps of renowned champions, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, with whom he trained as a sparring partner at the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals.
Joining him at the 20-and-under event are Jakub Mensik, Learner Tien, Alexander Blockx, Dino Prizmic, and Martin Landaluce—all of whom have also secured their spots.
