The Baseline Top 5: Next Gen stars still seeking first titles

There’s no question the 21-and-under category had a significant impact on the ATP tour this year, and a number of them are in contention for the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan.

But while players like Frances Tiafoe and Andrey Rublev—and, of course, Alexander Zverev—have taken that next step in their development by winning titles, many of them have yet to hoist that first-place hardware.

Here’s a look at five of them that have either qualified for Milan or are close to making the field who will be looking for the ultimate affirmation of being called a champion for the first time.

1

Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 2 in the Race to Milan, No. 15 on the ATP)

The Greek teenager is the only player officially qualified for Milan. He has taken his big-hitting game to new heights in 2018 with two final-round appearances on different surfaces. World No. 1 Rafael Nadal stopped him on clay in Barcelona and on hard courts in Toronto.

2

Alex De Minaur (No. 4 in the Race to Milan, No. 33 on the ATP)

The young Australian has catapulted up the rankings behind the strength of two runner-up finishes in Sydney and Washington. He’s also been involved in a couple of close encounters with Top 10 stalwarts Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev this season.

3

Taylor Fritz (No. 6 in the Race to Milan, No. 59 on the ATP)

After having a breakout campaign in 2016, Fritz took a step backward a year later. Still only 20, the American made a tremendous rebound this year and has had consistent success on the ATP Challenger level and the main tour. A finalist in Memphis in 2016, Fritz will be looking to go a step further in 2019.

4

Denis Shapovalov (No. 3 in the Race to Milan, No. 29 on the ATP)

With his stylish, aggressive game, Shapovalov might be considered the player most likely to dominate in the years to come. He has yet to reach an ATP final, but has had a few semifinal runs, including at the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid.

5

Michael Mmoh (No. 10 in the Race to Milan, No. 101 on the ATP)

The latest American to reach the Top 100 of the rankings, Mmoh recently went on a tear on the ATP Challenger circuit, taking two titles in a row. He’s also had some breakthrough moments on the main tour, starting with his quarterfinal debut in Brisbane at the start of the year.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias