Charlie Robertson, Andy Murray’s protégé, is using the Next Gen ATP Finals as a springboard | ATP Tour

Next Gen ATP Finals

Charlie Robertson, Murray’s protégé, uses the Next Gen ATP Finals as a base

The 19-year-old Scot is the batting partner in Jeddah this week

December 21, 2025

Charlie Robertson, who spent time bonding with his idol and former World No. Andy Murray. 1, has never lacked the measure of what it takes to reach the top of the game.

This week in Jeddah, however, the 19-year-old Scot is getting a new boost at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, where he is gaining valuable experience as a hitting partner. Surrounded by the best 20-and-under talents in the sport, Robertson is using this opportunity to fulfill his ambitions.

“Being here gives me motivation, 100 percent,” Robertson told ATPTour.com on the center court in Jeddah, between practice sessions with Nishesh Basavareddy and Alexander Blockx. “Being among everyone here is really important. Seeing people here that I have competed against in the juniors, it gives me more motivation to try to be here next year. That would be great.”

Robertson has met some familiar faces from his younger days, including Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, the Norwegian who put him in the semifinals of last year’s US Open boys event and has moved on to four ATP Challenger Tour titles in 2025.

Another poignant reminder of what can be achieved in such a short period of time is Rafael Jodar, whose stature provides a concrete path that Robertson hopes to emulate. After serving as a hitting partner in Jeddah last year and starting 2025 ranked World No. 895 – 30 places lower than where Robertson sits – the Spaniard has climbed more than 700 places throughout the season to secure his place in the field.

“Seeing how the tournament works here and just playing in a big tournament, I think it’s a good motivation,” said Robertson, who reached his first ATP Challenger Tour semifinal last month in Egypt. “I learn things every day by watching everyone play. As long as I focus and do the right things, I believe in myself that I can get there.”

Robertson’s path to tennis started almost as early as life, taking lessons with his brother and sister even before he was old enough to get involved. What started as hitting balls against the wall quickly turned into competition and steady progress.

Now 19 years old and competing as a sophomore for Wake Forest University, time and support remain on his side to continue to improve — just like the player and country he grew up idolizing once did.

“He’s very good at giving advice,” Robertson said of Murray, a three-time major champion. “When I ask him any questions, he gives me an honest answer and what he thinks, and he’s given me a lot of advice over the years. He’s been my biggest inspiration in tennis, so hearing that from him is amazing.”

Robertson also served as Carlos Alcaraz’s hitting partner at the ATP 500 at Queen’s Club last year. But even that pales in comparison to getting on the court with Andy and his brother Jamie Murray, both of whom offered valuable advice.

“I hit with Alcaraz at Queen’s and that was special, but to be honest, any time I’m on the court with Andy, it’s like something very special to me,” Robertson said. “It’s just crazy when I play with Andy as I grew up watching him and now I’m playing with him.

“I actually had a little bit of a fight with Jamie when I was younger, but the Murray brothers… Seeing them and seeing what they’ve done, especially being from Scotland, is amazing.”

Charlie Robertson : the Scottish teenager who is following in Andy’s footsteps, is heading to New York for the US Open junior event next month. He is ranked 25th in the world and just spent a week as Andy’s training partner.
Investing in the next generation. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/Xd6epWYQFi

— Judy Murray (@JudyMurray) July 23, 2024

There are other similarities between Robertson and his idol in the team around him, with Matt Little – a long-time figure in Murray’s camp – now playing a key role in his progression.

“He’s been a big help to me,” Robertson said of the strength and conditioning coach. “He’s the best, I have a lot of respect for him. He does a great job with me, so I’m really lucky to have him around.”

With encouragement all around Jeddah and a clear path to action, Robertson’s ambitions are becoming more and more apparent. Armed with a focused mind and a positive attitude, the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF may represent not just an inspiration, but a reality.