Meet the next wave: 10 of the best players under 22

This article originally appeared in Australian Tennis Magazine’s April/May 2026 'next gen' issue, profiling 22 players under age 22 who could shape the sport's future.

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ALEXANDER BLOCKX

Belgium, age 21, ranking No.36

The Belgian made his top-100 debut after winning the Canberra Challenger in January. Having just turned 21, Blockx has already represented his country in Davis Cup, a member of Belgium’s 2025 team that reached the semifinals. He came through qualifying to make his Grand Slam main-draw debut at this year's Australian Open.

NIKOLA BARTUNKOVA

Czechia, age 20, ranking No.94

In a generation where Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner are taking charge, the flashy Fonseca is showing his potential to join the duo at the top. Drawing exciting comparisons to Roger Federer and Sinner, and having risen from world No.145 to No.24 in 2025, the Brazilian teen is pressing his case to join the upper echelon.

ALEXANDRA EALA

Philippines, age 20, ranking No.42

The highest-ranked Filipino player in history – with a career-high of world No.29 – Eala surged into the spotlight with a semifinal run at the 2025 Miami Open, defeating Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek along the way. Backed by a passionate fan base, the talented 20-year-old is showing all the signs of climbing even further yet.

Alexandra Eala: “Living out my dream” in rise to career-high ranking

RAFAEL JODAR

Spain, age 19, ranking No.34

Labelled by his University of Virginia coach Andres Pedroso as “the most mature 19-year-old you’re going to meet”, Jodar has many qualities required to succeed on the ATP Tour. A Next Gen ATP Finals alumnus, the Spaniard was dominant at Challenger level during the second half of 2025, winning 27 of 33 matches. He is now translating that form onto the ATP Tour, highlighted by victory on his Grand Slam debut at AO 2026.

RELATED: Rafael Jodar explodes onto global stage

EMERSON JONES

Australia, age 17, ranking No.129

The first Australian girl to climb to junior world No.1 since Jelena Dokic in 1998, Jones has the credentials to become a bona fide star. In 2025, the 17-year-old began a smooth transition to the pro game, winning 19 of her last 23 matches. Ranked at world No.129, Jones is the only player under the age of 18 with a ranking within the top 200.

JAKUB MENSIK

Czechia, age 20, ranking No.28

A statement win over Jannik Sinner in Doha showed few can stop this Czech youngster when he is fit and firing. At just 20, Mensik has also recorded victories against the likes of Taylor Fritz and beat longtime idol Novak Djokovic for the 2025 Miami Masters title. A peak No.12 ranking in early March signals a bright future.

VICTORIA MBOKO

Canada, age 19, ranking No.9

Tagger made history at Roland Garros 2025, becoming the first Austrian to win the girls’ singles title. Guided by former Roland Garros champion Francesca Schiavone, she defeated No.3 seed Jeline Vandromme and No.1 seed Emerson Jones on her way to the crown. With the Italian in her corner, Tagger is one to watch.

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