Nikolai Budkov Kjaer vs Rafael Jodar preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and betting tips | Next Gen ATP Finals 2025

Match Details

Fixture: (5) Nikolai Budkov Kjaer vs Rafael Jodar

Date: December 18, 2025

Tournament: Next Gen ATP Finals

Round: Group Stage

Venue: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Category: Year-end championships

Surface: Hard (indoor)

Prize Money: $2,101,250

Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN

Nikolai Budkov Kjaer vs Rafael Jodar preview

Kjaer at the Next Gen ATP Finals Presented By PIF - Day 1 - Source: Getty

Nikolai Budkov Kjaer will face Rafael Jodar in the second group-stage match of the Next Gen ATP Finals.

Kjaer has made a name for himself on the ATP Challenger circuit. Apart from title-winning runs in Glasgow, Tampere, Mouilleron le Captif, and Astana, he also reached the semifinals of the Como Challenger. He also helped Norway with two valuable wins during the Davis Cup qualifiers against Chinese Taipei.

Kjaer entered Jeddah after early exits in Stockholm, Metz, and Vienna. He started his campaign in the Nitto ATP Finals by Martin Landaluce in four sets, 4-1, 3-4(7), 4-2, 4-3(4). The 19-year-old rocketed nine aces and saved five break points in the last round.

Jodar at the Next Gen ATP Finals Presented By PIF - Day 1 - Source: Getty

Meanwhile, Rafael Jodar also had a solid season this year. Apart from title-winning runs in Hersonissos, Lincoln, and Charlottesville, he also reached the semifinal in Winston-Salem (Challenger) and Tiburon. The Spaniard has yet to make his debut on the ATP tour.

Jodar entered Jeddah after a successful run in Charlottesville. He stunned the top seed Learner Tien in the first group-stage round, 1-4, 4-3(3), 1-4, 4-2, 4-3(4). The 19-year-old has registered three aces and won 67% of his first serve points.

Nikolai Budkov Kjaer vs Rafael Jodar head-to-head

The head-to-head between the duo is locked at 0-0.

Nikolai Budkov Kjaer vs Rafael Jodar odds

Oddscheker sources all odds.

Nikolai Budkov Kjaer vs Rafael Jodar prediction

Kjaer at the Next Gen ATP Finals Presented By PIF - Day 1 - Source: Getty

Kjaer has done well on the ATP Challenger circuit, but needs to adjust better on the main tour. He defeated Thiago Monteiro in Bastad, but has yet to do well against other established players.

On the other hand, Jodar is still sharpening his game on the ATP Challenger circuit. The Spaniard has only lost once in his last 13 appearances and will be eager to do well in the Next Gen Finals.

Jodar will be brimming with confidence after defeating the top seed in the last round. He relies on his flat groundstrokes and is known for his athleticism on the court.

Meanwhile, Kjaer is slightly more experienced than his opposite number at the highest level. He will be expected to put on a stern challenge on Thursday, but is mostly likely to come up short against in-form Jodar.

Pick: Jodar to win in four sets.

Nikolai Budkov Kjaer vs Rafael Jodar betting tips

Tip 1: Match to have more than 15 games.

Tip 2: Kjaer to register 5 aces.

Edited by Aman Mohamed