What happened to the first #NextGen?

Fernando Murciego | 21 Feb 2025 | 10.30

Ten years later, we review what happened to the first #NextGen. Source: ATP

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It was the year 2016, and Novak Djokovic was dominating the circuit like he had probably never done before. His superiority was so evident that some started to worry about the level of a locker room that was crying out for a generational change. That's when the ATP stepped in to play its commercial role with a campaign introducing us to 14 young boys expected to rule the rankings in the next decade. That campaign was called #NextGen, focusing on that new generation of talents. Ten years later, I think it's a good moment to remember their names and do a little review of each one's journey. And if there are images, there's also a video.

While you listen to the in-depth analysis that you've had on Youtube for days, here below I leave you with the profile of each protagonist, to support our judgments with some essential data and understand each one's position within the circuit, when they reached their peak, and ultimately, address the million-dollar question: Have they met the expectations placed on them or have they fallen short? Let's dive in.

KYLE EDMUND

Profile: Johannesburg, 1995 (30 years old)
Ranking: 478th (Was #14 in 2018)
Titles: 2 (Antwerp 2018, New York 2020)
Win-Loss Record: 119-125
Prize Money: $6,062,373
Peak Moment: AO 2018 Semifinals, 2015 Davis Cup
Assessment: A devastating forehand and that cold demeanor quickly dressed him as Andy Murray's successor, although that came about due to the lack of candidates and his fine performance in the 2015 Davis Cup victory. We would still see him in a Grand Slam semifinal, but it was only a mirage. Injuries and lack of confidence eventually suffocated him. Will he return to the elite? He has time, but I'm not sure if many can envision that comeback.

KAREN KHACHANOV

Profile: Moscow, 1996 (28 years old)
Ranking: 21st (Was #8 in 2019)
Titles: 7 (six ATP 250 and one Masters 1000)
Win-Loss Record: 283-204
Prize Money: $18,430,844
Peak Moment: Paris-Bercy 2018, 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2021 Davis Cup
Assessment: Another scandalous career of this man, so underrated by the press. He doesn't have an explosive game, isn't among the most media-friendly, and is a family guy who tends to avoid controversies. You won't see another player retired before acknowledging the fantastic talent we always had around, lingering around the top 25 with quarterfinal appearances in all four Grand Slams. Add to that an Olympic silver, a Masters 1000, and a Davis Cup... You don't need to improve him. Match him.