Learner Tien vs Rafael Jodar Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Tien to cruise in Next Gen opener

Tien is aiming to cap an outstanding year by claiming the Next Gen ATP Finals silverware. The American finished runner-up to Joao Fonseca in Jeddah last year, but with the Brazilian and Jakub Mensik both withdrawing from this year's edition, he's the overwhelming favourite to take home the title. Tien, currently ranked No. 28 in the world, is the only top 100 player in the eight-man Jeddah field and it would be a big surprise if he didn't go all the way. Meanwhile, Jodar will be facing the first top 100 opponent of his young career, with the Spaniard exploding to go from outside the top 900 in March to a current ranking of No. 168.

It's been a rapid rise for Jodar, but this represents an entirely different challenge. Tien has is already an established top 30 player, winning an ATP title at the end of the year and recording multiple top 10 victories throughout 2025. Tien is simply on another level compared to the rest of the field - and he registered an 8-1 record vs players outside the top 100 this year, winning all eight of those matches in straight sets. Back the American in a one-sided affair.

This will be the first career meeting between the pair.

It was an incredible season for Tien - he started the year ranked 120 in the world and needing to qualify for the Australian Open, but finished it inside the top 30 and as an ATP title winner.

Tien registered an overall match record of 32-23, going 5-3 against top 10 players and securing his maiden ATP title towards the end of the year in Metz.

The 20-year-old also finished runner-up in Beijing to Jannik Sinner and made the fourth round of the Australian Open from qualifying.

Tien brings a five-match indoors winning streak into this tournament after claiming that aforementioned ATP title in Metz in November. The American holds a 3-2 record in Jeddah, with both of his defeats coming against Fonseca last year.

Jodar is most certainly the most surprising member of the eight-man field competing at this year's Next Gen ATP Finals.

The 19-year-old wasn't really on the radar of many at the start of the year and had played just 17 professional matches throughout his career.

However, Jodar exploded during the second half of the year, rising from outside the top 900 and well into the world's top 200, winning three Challenger titles from August to November across Europe and North America.

Those results propelled Jodar into a debut appearance at the Next Gen ATP Finals and he will now face a top 100 player for the first time in his career.