The stage is set in Jeddah for a good clash between the tournament’s top two seeds. On Sunday, December 21, 2025, American Learner Tien and Belgian Alexander Blockx will battle for the 2025 NextGen ATP Finals title.
This isn’t just a battle of the top seeds; it’s a rematch of the “most heartbreaking loss” of Tien’s junior career: the 2023 Australian Open boys final, which Blockx won in a dramatic third-set tiebreak.
| Feature | Learner Tien (1) | Alexander Blockx (2) |
| ATP Ranking | No. 28 | No. 101 |
| 2025 Highlights | ATP Metz Title, 5 Top-10 wins | 2 Challenger Titles, Unbeaten in Jeddah |
| Tournament Path | 3-1 (Recovered from opening loss) | 4-0 |
| Playing Style | Tactical lefty, elite counter-puncher | Aggressive power-baseliner, big serve |
Learner Tien is back in the Jeddah final for the second year in a row. After falling to Joao Fonseca in 2024, the 20-year-old American returned in 2025 as the heavy favorite and the only Top 30 player in the field. Despite a shaky start, dropping his opening match to Rafael Jodar, Tien found his rhythm in the semifinals, dismantling fellow American Nishesh Basavareddy in straight sets.
While Tien has the ranking, Blockx has the momentum. The Belgian has been the player of the tournament, arriving in the final with a perfect 4-0 record. His serve has been nearly unbreakable (broken only five times all week), and he has blasted over 100 winners across his four matches. If he wins, he will become an undefeated champion, claiming the maximum prize of $539,750.
The contrast in styles will define the final:
- Tien will look to extend rallies, using his lefty angles and defensive skills to lure Blockx into over-hitting. Under the guidance of coach Michael Chang, Tien’s mental toughness has reached a new level recently.
- Blockx will aim to keep points short. In the fast-paced NextGen format (sets to four games), his ability to dominate behind his first serve and punish short balls with his forehand makes him a serious threat.
Prediction: Who will be the 2025 Next Gen champion?
Tien has the “big match” experience, having spent much of 2025 toppling Top 10 stars like Medvedev and Zverev and he already won a big ATP final. However, Blockx is playing with a “nothing to lose” freedom and a serve that thrives in the indoor conditions of Jeddah.
Looking at the betting odds, Tien is clear favorite at 1.47 (-225) and a win for the Belgian gives 2.60 (+160).
Prediction: Tien in 5 sets. Expect another tough battle between two in-form players, there will be small margins where Tien’s tactical maturity eventually wears down the Belgian. I would look at handicap betting on Blockx though as he will not be without a chance here and will win a big percentage of his serve games.
