NEXT-GEN TAKE-OVER AT MELBOURNE PARK

The Happy Slam has given us some incredible upsets at the hands of a new era of up-and-coming male players looking to take over from the current batch of older, more experienced counterparts. 

A group of next-generation stars - who came through the 2024 ATP Next Gen Finals together - have all made headlines at this year's Australian Open.

19-year-old American qualifier Learner Tien caused the most shocking upset of the week, ousting the fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (8), 1-6, 7-6 (7).

In five incredible sets, the American teen showcased not only talent, tenacity, and temperament, but also a glimpse into the future. 

In his post-match press conference, he highlighted his confident yet positive mentality. 

“I was just trying to treat it like any other match,” the American teen stated.

“I think belief is a big thing in succeeding and winning in general.

“I always go on the court believing that there's a chance I can win.” 

He then backed this stellar performance by beating the Frenchman Moutet in straight sets, 7-6 (10), 6-3, 6-3 to become the youngest man in an Australian Open fourth-round since Rafael Nadal in 2005, and will now face Italian Lorenzo Sonego for a place in the last eight.

“I mean, honestly it feels pretty crazy to be in the second week,” said Tien after his third-round win. 

“Going through [qualifying]... I've been here for a couple of weeks already, I think. 

“I mean, I was down a set and a break first round of quallies. To now be in the second week feels a little crazy.”

Czech 19-year-old Jakub Mensik also stunned a top-10 seed, defeating world No.6 Casper Ruud in four sets, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

The victory set up a third-round showdown against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, where despite being two sets to love up with match points, the teenager suffered a five-set defeat. But Mensik's poise and ability are palpable. 

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Another exciting prospect lies in 18-year-old Brazilian wonder kid Joao Fonseca, who came through qualifying and dispatched ninth seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the first round.

He fell in the second round in five brilliant sets to Italian Lorenzo Sonego, 7-6 (6), 3-6, 1-6, 6-3, 3-6, however, he showed maturity and fought well beyond his years against his 11 years older opponent.

His ability to not only play well but also invigorate the crowd illustrated how popular the Brazilian is set to be on tour. 

Fellow ATP Next Gen finalists Arthur Fils and Alex Michelsen have enjoyed their career-best Australian Open runs.

20-year-old Fils earned himself the 20th seed entering the AO 2025 and has shown class and maturity in his game style and execution.

The Frenchman progressed to the third round where he faced countryman Ugo Humbert, and after trailing two sets to one was forced to retire due to intense foot pain. 

Michelsen, still alive in the men's draw and facing Alex de Minaur on Monday night, stormed into his first Grand Slam second week, toppling top-20 seeds Stefanos Tsitsipas and Karen Khachanov.

Make sure to remember these names, and follow closely as a new generation of male players make their mark on the ATP tour. 

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