Hamad Medjedovic Shocks Tennis World, Takes Next Gen Finals crown with Win over Arthur Fils

In a stunning upset, Hamad Medjedovic emerged victorious over the top-seeded Arthur Fils in the championship match of the Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This historic victory marked the first five-set final in the tournament’s six-year history.

Medjedovic’s resilience was put to the test as he squandered two match points before securing the title in a grueling five-set match that lasted two hours and eleven minutes. Ultimately, he triumphed over Fils with a score of 3-4 (6), 4-1, 4-2, 3-4 (9), 4-1, becoming the first Serbian to claim victory in this prestigious tournament for players aged 21 and under.

Interestingly, this year’s tournament marked a significant change as it was held in Saudi Arabia for the first time, breaking away from its previous location in Milan. The event also introduced several modifications to traditional tennis rules, including shorter sets, abbreviated changeovers, and a reduced shot clock for certain points.

“Winning this title is truly a surreal experience for me, and I believe it will instill a great deal of confidence in me as I look ahead to 2024,” remarked the 20-year-old Medjedovic, who is the lowest-ranked champion at No. 110.

Fils, ranked 36th, previously made headlines as the youngest Frenchman in nearly two decades to secure an ATP title at Lyon earlier this year. Medjedovic, under the guidance of Serbia Davis Cup captain Viktor Troicki, achieved success at tour-level semifinals in Gstaad and Astana and clinched victory at three lower-level Challenger tournaments throughout the year.

Notably, past Next Gen champions include renowned players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz, solidifying Medjedovic’s place among tennis’s rising stars.