There are a plethora of young stars set to dominate the ATP scene over the next decade, with some already making their mark at smaller tournaments.
But others are on the cusp of greatness.
Here are the three best current teenage prospects in men’s tennis (in no particular order).
JOÃO FONSECA
Even casual tennis fans know something about this Brazilian teenager.
João Fonseca burst onto the scene last year, with a run to the quarter-finals in his home tournament in Rio.
The 18-year-old has made solid progress in the last 12 months, becoming one of the most exciting players to watch due to his explosive play style.
His victory over top-10 star Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open in January furthered his claim of being a star on the rise, with his maiden ATP tournament title in Buenos Aires last month solidifying that take.
Fonseca is fast, fit, and mentally tough.
All the ingredients of a generational talent, who may well be in the top-10 by the end of 2026.
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LEARNER TIEN
Hasn’t this American sensation flown under the radar… until now.
Learner Tien has made incredible progress in his short ATP career thus far, having started 2024 ranked outside the world’s top-400, but ended it with a rank of No.122.
He has since had a dream run to begin 2025, with a maiden second-week appearance at a major, and wins over Danill Medvedev AND Alexander Zverev.
His never-ending fight and crafty skillset make him one to watch for the rest of this year and beyond.
Tien could be the man the US has been waiting for - and the player who breaks their 21-year wait for a male Grand Slam champion.
Just not quite yet…
3. JAKUB MENŠÍK
None of the top players want to see this 19-year-old on their side of the draw.
Jakub Menšík has already, like Tien and Fonseca, impressed many in his short career.
But unlike the previous two, the Czech star has been able to boost his ranking into the world’s top-50.
He hasn’t had the best start to 2025, but in saying that, he still claimed an impressive top-10 scalp over Casper Ruud at the Australian Open.
Often likened to fellow Czech Tomáš Berdych, Menšík’s game style is exactly what you want on a fast court.
He serves big, has very lethal groundstrokes from the back of the court and is quite strong mentally.
If he can cut down the frequency of his unforced error count, this guy could achieve almost anything in the sport.
Play USA Tennis Pathways supports athletes who want to go down the college pathway, assisting players to get recruited to a college that meets their academic and athletic goals. If you are a player, parent, or coach and are interested in the college pathway in the United States, contact Lachlan Puyol at playusatennispathways@gmail.com
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