Arthur Fils vs Hamad Medjedovic In Next Gen ATP Finals title match | ATP Tour

The ultimate probability for title glory of the 2023 ATP Tour season additionally represents a chance for Arthur Fils and Hamad Medjedovic to affix a formidable record of champions on the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by NEOM.

High seed Fils and sixth seed Medjedovic face off at 8 p.m. native time Saturday at King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis, the place they’re every hoping to affix present High 10 stars Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas as champions on the season-ending 21-and-under occasion.

Each gamers head into the championship match undefeated for the week in Saudi Arabia and their maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head assembly guarantees to be an intriguing one. Regardless of Fils sitting 74 locations larger than Medjedovic within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, the Frenchman will take nothing without any consideration towards a participant who has thrilled followers this week together with his highly effective groundstrokes and big serving.

“We’ve identified one another a very long time,” mentioned the World No. 36 Fils on Friday in Jeddah. “We performed juniors collectively, so I do know that he has an unbelievable serve. The quickest of the match. It’s going to be a troublesome one. I’m going to wish to know precisely tips on how to play, with good techniques, however I feel that it’s going to be a great match for certain.

“Together with his tennis and my tennis, we’re altogether enjoying [well]. Let’s see tomorrow, however he’s a pleasant man. I hope he shall be excellent for the following era [on Tour], however not tomorrow I hope.”

Fils confirmed spectacular composure to down his pal and countryman Luca Van Assche in 4 units within the semi-finals on Friday, earlier than Medjedovic superior after Dominic Stricker (again) retired within the second set of their last-four conflict. The 20-year-old Serbian is wanting ahead to reigniting his junior rivalry with Fils when the pair steps out within the first ATP-sanctioned title match on Saudi Arabian soil.

“I feel it’s going to be a very good match,” mentioned Medjedovic on Saturday. “Arthur is a very good participant, he’s already [World No.36]. He’s a very good pal of mine as properly. I’ve identified him for a very long time and I’m excited to play him tomorrow.”

Fils received 19 tour-level matches in 2023 and lifted his maiden ATP Tour title in Lyon in Could, whereas Medjedovic reached his first semi-finals at that stage in Gstaad and Astana and likewise lifted three trophies on the ATP Challenger Tour. Having every loved breakthrough years, each will need to end 2023 with a flourish by changing into Subsequent Gen ATP Finals champion in Jeddah.

“To finish the 12 months like that is all the time good,” mentioned Medjedovic when requested how a lot successful would enhance him heading into 2024. “Particularly if I win the entire match. I’m glad to be within the remaining, however the job just isn’t finished but and I need to win tomorrow.”