The Next Gen ATP Finals have long been a showcase for the rising stars of men’s tennis, providing a stage for young talents to demonstrate their skills and potential to a global audience. This event, initiated by the ATP in 2017, features the best players aged 21 and under, spotlighting future champions while giving fans a glimpse of tennis’s evolving future. In recent editions, players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Casper Ruud have attracted widespread attention, representing a new generation eager to leave its mark on the sport. However, amid this excitement, intriguing discussions have surfaced regarding which current stars these young players admire and who they consider their ideal coaches or role models—conversations that speak volumes about their values and aspirations.
One such conversation emerged around Nishesh Basavareddy, a young talent carving his own path, who made some waves with his unconventional choice. While many look up to the explosive power and flair of players like Carlos Alcaraz, Basavareddy surprised many by naming Novak Djokovic as his foremost player to watch. Djokovic, a titan of the game with 24 Grand Slam titles to his name as of mid-2024, represents a figure of exceptional experience and mental toughness. Basavareddy’s choice seems to highlight an appreciation for the veteran’s relentless consistency, tactical mastery, and the rich knowledge that comes from years competing at the highest levels.
This preference stands out contrasted with the votes of other Next Gen contenders. For instance, Brandon Nakashima, often a crowd favorite, echoed the widespread admiration for Alcaraz as the player who currently embodies the thrilling, aggressive style dominating the sport. Similarly, Dino Prizmic, Martin Landaluce, and Rafael Jodar aligned with this view, emphasizing the youthful energy and dynamic game that Alcaraz brings, inspiring many like-minded up-and-comers. On a slightly different note, Alexander Blockx preferred Jannik Sinner, whose steady rise and technical precision have carved a unique niche in the ATP tour, while Nicolai Budkov Kjær gravitated toward Casper Ruud, acknowledged for his clay-court prowess and resilience.
Curiously, some players’ choices also reflect a broader sense of tennis history and greatness. Justin Engel choosing Rafael Nadal as his greatest player showcases not just admiration for his 22 major titles but also respect for Nadal’s fierce competitive spirit and his historic rivalries with Djokovic and Roger Federer. This reverence for legends of the game mirrors the way young athletes often seek inspiration from multiple sources, blending respect for the past with ambition for the future.
What adds another layer to this narrative is Djokovic’s own perspective. After a particularly engaging match at the Australian Open, Djokovic reportedly praised Basavareddy, suggesting he saw in the young American qualities that might well signal a promising future. Djokovic, known for his analytical approach and psychological acumen, has often emphasized the importance of mental resilience and adaptability—traits Basavareddy seems to value and perhaps hopes to cultivate under Djokovic’s informal mentorship or example.
This dynamic raises interesting questions about the evolving relationship between tennis legends and the next generation. Historically, former champions have played pivotal roles in nurturing young talent, whether formally as coaches, captains in tournaments like the Davis Cup, or informally as mentors and inspirations. For example, Ivan Lendl’s work with Andy Murray helped transform the Scot’s game and mental fortitude, illustrating how experienced champions can reshape young players’ careers. In that vein, Basavareddy’s preference for Djokovic signals a desire not merely to emulate but to learn from a player who has redefined what it means to be successful in tennis across different eras.
The Next Gen ATP Finals itself has a rich history worth noting here. The tournament began as a way to experiment with innovative scoring formats and court presentations, aiming to attract younger audiences and create a distinct identity apart from the traditional ATP tour events. While some of these experiments, such as shorter sets and shot clocks, have since been phased out or adjusted, the Finals remain an important stepping stone and a symbol of the sport’s future direction. Many former participants, including Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Hubert Hurkacz, have gone on to claim top ATP rankings and major titles, underscoring the event’s significance as a proving ground.
Returning to the question of mentorship and the admiration young players display for veterans, the conversation often centers around what qualities are most valuable for rising stars. Is it the raw talent and exciting shot-making represented by the likes of Alcaraz? Or is it the enduring mental toughness, strategic brilliance, and career longevity embodied by Djokovic and Nadal? Basavareddy’s choice suggests that experience and wisdom still hold powerful appeal, perhaps echoing the advice many coaches offer: talent alone is rarely enough to sustain a top-level career without discipline, resilience, and ongoing learning.
Ultimately, such discussions are more than just casual polls or fleeting opinions; they reflect deeper aspirations and values within the emerging generation of tennis players. They reveal how young athletes gauge the qualities needed to reach—and maintain—excellence in a highly competitive, evolving sport. Do they seek a coach or role model who pushes the boundaries of physicality, or one who can guide them through the mental labyrinth of professional tennis? For Basavareddy and others, the answer may lie in finding a blend of both.
As fans and followers of tennis, these insights enrich our understanding of the sport’s future. They invite us to watch closely not just the matches but the unfolding stories of mentorship, growth, and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. In a sport as demanding and tradition-rich as tennis, this intergenerational dialogue is both inevitable and inspiring—reminding us that every champion stands on the shoulders of those who came before, even as they strive to become legends themselves.