Student Tien passes Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, both move to Jeddah SFs | ATP Tour

Next Gen ATP Finals

Tien peaks in Budkov Kjaer, both pass to Jeddah SFs

American wins Blue Group, Budkov Kjaer advances after winning one set on Friday

December 19, 2025

Student Tien and Nicolai Budkov Kjaer secured their places in the semi-finals of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF after an amazing night on Friday in Jeddah.

Tien, a finalist last year in Jeddah, defeated Budkov Kjaer 3-4(2), 4-1, 4-2, 4-2 to win the Blue Group with a 2-1 record in the final round and set up a semi-final against Nishesh Basavreddy. When Budkov Kjaer won the opening set, that was enough to put him in the last four. With Tien needing a three- or four-set win to advance, the top seed did just that, knocking out Rafael Jodar.

“Not really,” Tien said when asked if he felt any pressure after losing the first set. “It’s a long format, three out of five, the sets can go quickly… I thought I worked very well the whole match, I didn’t break in the first set and she played a good tie break. I didn’t feel like I played a bad set, so I wasn’t too worried.

“I think I’m adapting and getting a little bit better every day, so I’m happy with that. This is my last year here, so I’m really trying to take advantage of it.”

The 20-year-old Tien raised his level as the match progressed and called several rallies from the baseline in the latter stages. The lefty defended his second performance, winning 76 percent (13/17) of those points, according to Infosys ATP Stats, compared to 38 percent (6/16) for the 19-year-old.

Tien, the top seed in Jeddah and a heavy favorite entering the week, started the event with a loss to Jodar, who saved four match points to escape the American. Jodar needed any result on Friday other than a four-set win from the Americans to advance. Tien also won by defeating Martin Landaluce and Budkov Kjaer, the second Norwegian to compete in the event (Casper Ruud) in its eight-year history. Budkov Kjaer will face Red Group winner Alexander Blockx in the semi-finals.

Earlier, Jodar put aside his friendship with Landaluce, eliminating his compatriot with a 4-3 (7), 4-1, 4-3 (2) victory. Blasting 31 match winners, Jodar held his nerve when it mattered most, including in the first set when he won four points.

“I am very happy with the way I handled the important moments and pressure in this game,” said Jodar. “I am very happy to get the win here. I have been playing with him. We are very good friends. We come from the same tennis club, Club de Tenis Chamartin.”

With his idol Rafael Nadal in attendance, Jodar again kept his cool during the fourth break to avoid any late drama.

“Rafa has been my idol for a long time, since I was young,” said the young man. “I used to watch all his matches. He was my role model in tennis. I am very happy that he was here. It means a lot that he came to Saudi Arabia to watch this tournament.”

Jodar was also watertight after his second serve, winning 92 percent (12/13) of his second points, according to Infosys ATP Stats.