Next Gen ATP Finals
Nostalgic Journeys: Nishikori’s Impact, Early Matches & Lessons Learned by #NextGenATP Stars
Sakamoto, Cina, and Budkov Kjaer recount their initial experiences with tennis.
October 21, 2025
Mike Lawrence/Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, Rei Sakamoto, and Federico Cina are preparing to shine at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah.
By Sam Jacot
Before they became serious contenders for a spot at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah, these three stars were just youngsters hitting tennis balls, inspired by their heroes and dreaming of greatness on the Tour.
In our premiere of the Next in Line series, we journey back to the origins of Rei Sakamoto, Federico Cina, and Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, three of the leading players under 20 in the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah. From intimate moments on family courts to being motivated by Centre Court legends, their paths to professional tennis started in uniquely personal ways.
For Sakamoto from Japan, one of his most striking early memories was not about winning a match, but rather a thrilling sense of satisfaction.
“At six years old, I was playing on small courts,” Sakamoto shared with ATPTour.com in New York. “I remember hitting a smash that felt amazing.”
He chuckled as he recalled an even earlier snapshot of him swinging a racquet at the tender age of three, a moment lost to memory but fondly remembered by his family.
“There’s this photo of me as a kid, hitting tennis balls with a tiny racquet,” he reminisced. “I can’t recall it, but I guess my journey began early!”
In Italy, Cina found himself picking up racquets at a similar age, with a family steeped in tennis tradition.
“My first tennis experiences were with my grandparents at home,” Cina explained. “My dad, a coach, would take me to tournaments. Initially, I played locally, but around five or six, I was spending all day at the club.”
By the age of six, Cina was practically living at his local courts and tagging along to events with his father, who coached US Open finalist Roberta Vinci.
“I watched a lot of matches while traveling with him to tournaments,” said Cina, now coached by his dad Francesco. “Attending Slams and Masters 1000 events as a kid was amazing. Watching matches, especially with Vinci, played a huge part in my love for tennis. I’m thankful for that.”
Budkov Kjaer’s journey into tennis also stemmed from familial connections, marked with a distinctly Norwegian flair.
“My dad was involved with the Federation for five years, making my path to tennis feel natural,” shared Budkov Kjaer. “He witnessed Casper [Ruud] rise as a junior and make it on the ATP Tour, quite the learning experience.”
Even with easy access to courts and seasoned coaches, there were pivotal moments that ignited their passion, often sparked by seeing the sport played at the highest levels.
“Watching Kei Nishikori at the US Open final was a defining moment for me,” Sakamoto recalled. “Even though Cilic won, witnessing Nishikori compete at that level inspired me greatly. It made me believe that Japanese players could excel on the global stage.”
Fast forward to 2025, Budkov Kjaer is already making waves, having secured four ATP Challenger Tour titles and standing sixth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah, with hopes of debuting at the Next Gen ATP Finals in December. He fondly remembers the moment that sparked his ambition during a Wimbledon final.
“Attending the Wimbledon final in 2018 between Djokovic and Anderson was a pivotal moment for me,” Budkov Kjaer said. “I dreamt of playing on those beautiful all-white grass courts. Wimbledon is truly special.”
The next class of players is on the horizon‼️
Who will clinch a spot in the 2025 #NextGenATPFinals? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/CImerpCyEF
— Next Gen ATP Finals (@nextgenfinals) September 26, 2025
As these young talents continue their ascent, they took a moment to reflect on their journeys and what their younger selves would think of their current achievements.
“My younger self would probably give me a high five and say, “Not bad!” Back then, I had no clue what I was in for, which might have been a blessing,” Budkov Kjaer reflected. “If you told me that I’d be ranked ATP 136 with 50 victories and four Challenger titles in my debut year, my younger self would be grinning ear-to-ear!”
Cina also feels his younger self would be pleasantly surprised.
“It’s been an honor to compete at Masters 1000 events this year,” said Cina, who has celebrated victories in Miami and Madrid. “Madrid felt more natural for me compared to Miami. Each time, I’m finding my rhythm.”
Sakamoto, who tasted success on the Challenger Tour, especially in Cary, is inspired by Nishikori’s legacy. He sees it as a profound source of motivation.
“When I compare my journey to Kei’s at my age, it feels like he was operating in a different realm,” Sakamoto said. “He celebrated his first ATP title shortly after turning 18. I’m pleased with my achievements, but there’s still a long road ahead.”
Discover more about Sakamoto here
Explore more about Budkov Kjaer here
Learn more about Cina here
Mark your calendars for October 28, 2025, as we delve into how Learner Tien, Nishesh Basavareddy, and Justin Engel are adapting to life on Tour.
