With the ATP Next Gen Finals and the Australian Open now behind us, we have a clearer picture of which young talents are poised to challenge the sport’s elite. The next wave of tennis stars is making their mark, and 2025 could be the year some of them break through into the upper echelon of the ATP rankings. Among them, João Fonseca, Learner Tien, and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard have shown immense potential and could be the ones to watch.

1. João Fonseca

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One of the most exciting prospects is João Fonseca. The Brazilian youngster has all the tools to become a future top-10 player, boasting a massive forehand, an equally dangerous backhand, and a powerful serve. His aggressive playing style makes him a real threat on any surface, but for him to reach the next level, he needs to refine his groundstrokes for greater consistency. If Fonseca can avoid going for winners on every shot and develop a more measured approach, he could soon be a serious contender on the ATP Tour.

2. Learner Tien

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Another name gaining traction is Learner Tien, the ATP Next Gen Finals runner-up who turned heads with his remarkable run to the fourth round of the Australian Open, including a stunning victory over Daniil Medvedev. Tien’s defensive, counterpunching game, combined with his intelligent shot selection, has already proven effective against top-tier opponents. However, for Tien to consistently challenge the best, he must work on improving his serve. A stronger serve will allow him to create more opportunities and avoid relying on narrow margins in matches. Given his young age and impressive achievements, Tien’s potential is immense, and his career trajectory suggests he could become a force in men’s tennis.

3. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

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Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is another rising star who has captured attention with his phenomenal serving ability. The 21-year-old Frenchman possesses one of the most dominant serves in ATP history, making him a constant danger to any opponent. His ability to win free points off his serve means he can cause upsets against even the top-ranked players. The key question for Mpetshi Perricard is whether he can improve his movement and groundstrokes enough to compete consistently at the highest level. If he can develop his speed and overall baseline game, he has the potential to break into the top 10 and become a significant threat on the ATP Tour.

As we move further into the 2025 season, these young players have already demonstrated their ability to compete with the best. Whether through powerful shot-making, intelligent tactics, or an unmatched serve, they each bring something unique to the game. If they can continue refining their skills, expect to see their names on the biggest stages of world tennis in the years to come.