Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik will be trying to get on the winning track at the NextGen ATP Finals when they go head-to-head in a blockbuster matchup on Thursday. Meanwhile, Learner Tien faces Joao Fonseca.

(1) Arthur Fils vs. (3) Jakub Mensik

Fils and Mensik are coming off surprising Day 1 losses at the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Both players battled through five-set thrillers on Wednesday and each one came out on the losing end. Fils fell to Joao Fonseca 3-4(9), 4-2, 4-1, 1-4, 4-1, while Mensik was defeated by Learner Tien 4-3(6), 4-3(3), 2-4, 2-4, 4-3(8). The result is a borderline must-situation for both men when they go head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Thursday night.

This should be a fun one between two guys really broke through on the main tour in 2024. They combined for 62 match victories at the ATP level, with Fils (37 wins) climbing to No. 20 in the rankings and Mensik (25 wins) moving up to 48th. Mensik played well in his tournament opener, but the 19-year-old Czech lost all three tiebreakers he played against Tien and now he heads into another match that will likely be decided by very small margins. A slight edge goes to Fils, who–despite Wednesday’s result–is the best player in the field.

Pick: Fils in 5

(5) Learner Tien vs. (8) Joao Fonseca

Tien and Fonseca will also be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Thursday. Fonseca may be the lowest seed in Jeddah, but at the same time he is arguably the most hyped. Just 18 years old, the Brazilian already has all the makings of a future Grand Slam champion. He enjoyed plenty of success on the Challenger Tour this season and also made a run to the quarterfinals of an ATP 500 at home in Rio de Janeiro. Now, following his victory over Fils, Fonseca should be more confident than ever.

Tien is also in stellar form. The 19-year-old American won seven titles in 2024 (four Challengers, three Futures) to go along with a quarterfinal performance at an ATP 250 in Winston-Salem. Although Tien did extremely well to beat Mensik on Wednesday, it’s worth noting that the former college standout (USC) lost 14 more total points than his opponent. As well as Tien is playing, the outcome of this contest will be on Fonseca’s racket.

Pick: Fonseca in 5