Nicolai Budkov Kjaer reaches semi-finals at Next Generation ATP Finals | ATP Tour

match report

Budkov Kjaer approaches semi-finals at Next Generation ATP Finals

Norwegian leads 2-0 in Blue Group

December 18, 2025

Nicolai Budkov Kjaer advanced to the Next Generation ATP Finals in the PIF semifinals in Jeddah on Thursday, defeating Spain’s Rafael Jodar 4-1, 4-2, 1-4, 4-2.

The Norwegian, who impressed in four sets against Martin Landalus in the Blue Group opener, withstood a midfield comeback from Jordaal this week at King Abdullah Sports City and is now 2-0.

“I just want to focus on winning the race but qualifying [would be] It’s cool, so I hope it happens,” Budkov Kjaer said. “I had a great start… Every ball I hit went in, and Rafa was probably a little nervous, which is probably normal. It’s difficult to play again after a big win. Of course, I’m very happy with this win. “

In front of a lively crowd, Budkov Kjaer hit two aces and an unreturned first serve in his final service game to seal the victory in 79 minutes. With this victory, he avenged Hodal, who lost to the Spaniard in the 2024 US Open men’s singles final.

Budkov Kjaer, 19, will qualify for the semifinals later on Thursday if Martin Landaluce beats Learner Tien. However, even if top seed Tien wins later on day two, Budkov Kjaer will still have a strong chance of making the last four of the 20-and-under event.

In an outstanding season, the Norwegian won four ATP Challenger titles and climbed from outside the top 500 of the PIF ATP Rankings to No. 138.

Jordan, a three-time Challenger Champion this year, defeated world No. 28 Tian En in the opening match in Jeddah to score his first Top 100 victory. The 19-year-old Spaniard, who has a record of 1-1 this week, will face Landalus in the final round-robin game and is still very likely to compete for a semi-final spot.