Thu Dec 18 17:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text:

Summary:

Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar, seeded 7th and making his Next Gen ATP Finals debut in Jeddah, pulled off a stunning upset against top seed Learner Tien. Jodar saved four match points in a thrilling five-set match to secure the victory. This win marks the biggest of Jodar’s career. He credited his belief in himself and capitalizing on key moments. Jodar’s late-season surge, including three ATP Challenger titles, earned him a spot in the tournament after being a sparring partner at the event last year. Other notable results from the tournament include Nicolai Budkov Kjaer defeating Martin Landaluce, and in the Red Group, Alexander Blockx and Nishesh Basavareddy securing victories. Jodar now faces Budkov Kjaer in his next match.

News Article:

Jodar Stuns Top Seed Tien in Jeddah Next Gen Upset

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – December 17, 2025 – Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old Spaniard and the seventh seed, delivered a stunning upset today at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, defeating top seed Learner Tien in a thrilling five-set match. Jodar, making his debut at the tournament, saved four match points to secure the 1-4, 4-3 (3), 1-4, 4-2, 4-3 (4) victory.

The win against world No. 28 Tien marks the biggest of Jodar’s burgeoning career. “It was a battle,” Jodar said after the match. “I knew the conditions were good for both, but I handled the good moments very well and I’m super happy to get the first win here in Jeddah. I just tried to keep going and believe in myself. Learner always plays well, so I had to keep believing, and I knew that I was going to have a chance.”

Jodar secured the final qualifying spot for the 20-and-under event following a successful late-season run that saw him capture three ATP Challenger Tour titles. The former US Open boys’ champion, currently a student-athlete at the University of Virginia, had traveled to Jeddah last year as a hitting partner, fueling his desire to compete in the tournament.

In other action from the Blue Group, fifth seed Nicolai Budkov Kjaer defeated fourth seed Martin Landaluce. In the Red Group, second seed Alexander Blockx emerged as the early leader with a win over Justin Engel, while Nishesh Basavareddy, coached by Daniil Medvedev’s former mentor Gilles Cervara, took down Dino Prizmic.

Jodar will face Budkov Kjaer in his next round-robin match on Thursday. Tennis fans can stream the Next Gen ATP Finals live on the Tennis Channel App.

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