The future of tennis is looking incredibly bright, with a wave of young players making their mark on the international stage.
While veterans still hold the spotlight, it’s clear that the next generation is coming for them.
Among the fresh faces storming the scene, a 17-year-old already dominating the senior tour is turning heads.
From the courts of Indian Wells to international arenas, here’s a closer look at some of the brightest young talents shaping the sport.
New Faces at Indian Wells
The winds of change are strong in tennis, and they’re blowing through the desert of California at Indian Wells.
This week, two teenagers—Joao Fonseca and Learner Tien—are set to make their debut at the Masters level, signaling the arrival of a new generation.
At the same time, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, fresh off a Dubai title, is already being considered one of the favorites at the tournament.
What’s exciting is that it’s not just Andreeva; every week this season has seen young players claiming titles, making finals, or knocking out big names.
With 2025 shaping up to be “the year of the kid,” let’s dive into the top 10 players under the age of 20 who are taking the tennis world by storm.
Mirra Andreeva: Russia’s 17-Year-Old Sensation
Currently ranked No. 11 in the world, Mirra Andreeva is making her mark in the tennis world at a blistering pace
. At just 15, she qualified for both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, advancing to the third and fourth rounds.
But it was last year that she truly announced herself, clinching her first title in Iasi and reaching a Grand Slam semi-final in Paris. Just weeks ago, she added a WTA 1,000-level title in Dubai to her trophy case.
What makes Andreeva stand out isn’t just her solid strokes or powerful legs—it’s her mental fortitude.
Her focus on the court and strategic play resemble that of her idol, Andy Murray.
It’s this mental game, paired with her technical skills, that sets her apart as one of the most promising players on tour.
Joao Fonseca: Brazil’s Next Big Thing
Joao Fonseca, at 18, is another rising star to keep an eye on. His explosive forehand is the talk of the town, but don’t sleep on his equally powerful backhand.
Known for his contagious enthusiasm and fiery competitiveness, Fonseca made headlines when he qualified for the Australian Open and upset No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev.
He later took home his first tour title at the Argentina Open, where his fearless style and crowd-pleasing play earned him loyal supporters.
Fonseca’s first challenge in Indian Wells comes in the form of Brits Jacob Fearnley and Jack Draper.
His coach, James Trottman, once noted that Fonseca’s potential was clear during a training session that almost happened—until Draper’s hip injury threw a wrench in the plans.
Let’s hope we get to see more of this talented prodigy as he refines his game.
Diana Shnaider: A Multi-Talented Force
At 20, Diana Shnaider has already proved that brains and brawn go hand in hand.
Raised in a family where boxing, chess, and ballet were part of her upbringing, Shnaider brings a well-rounded, disciplined approach to tennis.
In 2024, she was the only woman to win titles on all three surfaces.
A left-handed powerhouse with excellent spins, she also clinched a silver medal in doubles at the Paris Olympics alongside Andreeva.
Her iconic polka-dot bandana, which she’s worn since her junior days, adds a personal touch to her game.
With her remarkable balance of power and finesse, Shnaider is a player to watch closely.
Learner Tien: The American Hope
America’s Learner Tien, 19, made a huge splash earlier this year by defeating No. 5 seed Daniil Medvedev to reach the last 16 in Melbourne.
A top junior talent, Tien’s journey to professional tennis has been impressive.
His left-handed serve and graceful movement have earned comparisons to tennis legends like Roger Federer.
Although he’s not the tallest player at 5ft 11in, Tien’s all-court style and quick adaptability give him a strong edge.
It’s clear that Tien’s future in the sport is incredibly promising.
Emerson Jones: The Australian Prodigy
At just 16, Emerson Jones is already drawing comparisons to Australian tennis icon Ash Barty.
After her impressive victory over Xinyu Wang at the Adelaide Open, Jones’ potential is undeniable.
Last year, she made a strong showing in the junior finals at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, becoming the first Australian to be ranked junior world No. 1 since Jelena Dokic in 1998.
Her athleticism, inherited from her mother, a world champion triathlete, and her father, a former Australian rules footballer, sets her apart.
Her technical game around the net, combined with her superb ball striking, has made her one to watch.
Jakub Mensik: Czech Rising Star
19-year-old Jakub Mensik, from the Czech Republic, has been making waves in the tennis world, partly thanks to his mentor, Novak Djokovic.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has provided invaluable guidance to Mensik, who now boasts one of the best serves in tennis.
In fact, Djokovic himself believes Mensik’s serve is already on par with the best in the world.
Mensik’s 2024 victory over Andy Murray in Qatar further demonstrated his immense potential, and he is expected to continue making strides in his career.
Ashlyn Krueger: Power and Precision from the US
At 20, Ashlyn Krueger is making her mark with a powerful serve and an attacking game.
A former junior champion, Krueger reached the final in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, and with the guidance of World No. 4 Jessica Pegula, she is primed for a strong future in tennis.
Pegula has noted that Krueger’s game, especially when it’s clicking, is a real threat to any opponent.
Standing at 6ft 1in, she is the tallest player in the top 100 and is quickly becoming one of the sport’s most promising young talents.
Nishesh Basavareddy: All-Court Talent from the US
Nishesh Basavareddy, 19, is a rising star who made his mark last year at the NextGen Finals.
With a well-rounded all-court game, Basavareddy has shown impressive resilience, even making Djokovic sweat in their Australian Open encounter.
Despite not having a typical big serve or raw power, his vibrant playstyle has made him one of the most exciting young players to watch.
Iva Jovic: Another Young American Force
Another Californian talent, Iva Jovic, is balancing her junior and professional careers with impressive results.
With first-round wins at both the US and Australian Opens and two junior Grand Slam doubles titles, she’s on the fast track to success.
As the daughter of Serbian immigrants, Jovic looks up to Novak Djokovic, and she’s working hard to carve out her own path to greatness.
Alex Michelsen: A New American Talent
Finally, Alex Michelsen, 20, is part of the new wave of American tennis players to watch.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Michelsen has a powerful serve and a big forehand, reminiscent of the traditional style of play.
His ball-striking is prodigious, and with guidance from former pro Robby Ginepri, he is rising rapidly through the rankings.
Under the right coaching, Michelsen has the potential to make a serious impact on the ATP Tour.
Veterans in the Spotlight: Medvedev and Pique
While the future of tennis is certainly bright, there’s still plenty of drama from the veterans.
Daniil Medvedev, often in the headlines for his rants and controversies, is currently in a slump, having not won a title since 2023.
Meanwhile, former Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique continues to stir the pot in tennis with his unorthodox ideas for reform, including scrapping second serves and changing the way deuce points are played.
His suggestions have received mixed reactions, and it seems he may need to focus on solving issues in football instead.
Tsitsipas on the Comeback Trail
One player worth keeping an eye on during this week’s action in Indian Wells is Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Greek star has struggled over the last 18 months, but his recent win in Dubai, with a mysterious new racket, has sparked hope for a comeback.
Will his new gear help him return to the top of the game? Only time will tell.
In the fast-paced world of tennis, it’s clear that the future is in good hands, with these young players leading the charge toward the next era of greatness.