Budkov: "I Hope I Am Not in My Best Moment Yet…"

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Pushing until the last moment and relying on the head to head to eliminate Rafael Jódar in Jeddah, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer became one of the most secure figures in the ATP Next Gen Finals 2025 competition. The young Norwegian, ranked 136th in the world at 19 years old, qualified for the semifinals as the group's runner-up.

Although still going through the transition from one circuit to another, Nicolai has used the 2025 season to try to adapt to the professional level, achieving great things at the Challenger level. Budkov won his first tournament in the Glasgow Challenger in February of this year.

His defeat in the US Open junior against Jódar

"It was a bitter defeat. Two Junior Grand Slams are special because many win one, but very few win two. I still remember the plane trip, I had trouble falling asleep. It was a very tough defeat," recalled the young Norwegian tennis player. "I am quite satisfied with many things this week, but I think my physical condition is really good," said Budkov in statements to the ATP.

Budkov's role in the ATP Next Gen Finals 2025

"I am moving extremely well and I don't think I need to rush the rallies because now I have a good foundation. I talked a lot with my coaches in the preseason about my good physical condition. The longer the point, the better for me, especially with Martín (Landaluce), who has an aggressive game. It's a bit harder to play always with a small margin, so maybe I was inspired by my compatriot Casper (Ruud), who plays with a lot of spin and good margins.

I have always enjoyed competing and playing matches, that motivates me. I really like playing many matches every year because you have all the pressure, all the emotions. You can never practice like in a match. I think it's something good and something I will continue to do, of course. I am still very young, so I have a great career ahead. I hope I am not at my best yet... I hope to play better in every tournament I attend, and I think I am improving and playing my best tennis right now."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Budkov: "Espero no estar en mi mejor momento todavía…"