The Next Generation of Tennis Stars: How Legends Like Nadal, Cilic, and Ram Are Shaping the Future
The tennis world is buzzing with excitement as the #NextGenATP stars rise, but what’s truly fascinating is the role their predecessors play in shaping their journeys. Nishesh Basavareddy, Dino Prizmic, and Martin Landaluce are not just names on the leaderboard; they’re the future of tennis, and their stories are deeply intertwined with the legends who came before them. But here’s where it gets intriguing: how much does mentorship really matter in a sport dominated by individual talent? Let’s dive in.
As of November 4, 2025, these three young athletes are dominating the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, each ranking in the Top 10. Their paths to the Next Gen ATP Finals in December are illuminated by the wisdom and examples of tennis greats like Rafael Nadal, Marin Cilic, and Rajeev Ram. But this isn’t just about skill—it’s about the intangible lessons passed down through generations.
Basavareddy: Bridging Cultures and Courts
For Nishesh Basavareddy, growing up in Indiana with Indian-American roots, the influence of Rajeev Ram has been monumental. Ram, a 32-time tour-level doubles champion, isn’t just a role model—he’s a mentor and friend. Basavareddy shares a coach, Brian Smith, with Ram, a connection that has fostered both professional growth and personal camaraderie. “He’s been a great mentor,” Basavareddy reflects, “and now I can call him a friend as well.”
But Ram’s impact goes beyond the court. As one of the few Indian-Americans at the top of the tennis world, he’s a beacon of representation. “Seeing Raj travel, compete, and win gave me a real look at what the pro tour is like,” Basavareddy explains. This visibility not only inspired him but also gave his parents confidence in his career path. “He was one of the first Indian-Americans to really make it,” he adds, highlighting the power of seeing someone who looks like you succeed.
Basavareddy also draws inspiration from the current wave of American players, including Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Sebastian Korda, and Ben Shelton. “They’re improving every year, and they’re great guys off the court,” he notes. “I’ve tried to take little things from all of them.” Representing both the United States and his Indian heritage is a source of pride for the 20-year-old, who hopes to inspire young Indian kids to pick up a racquet.
Landaluce: Learning from the Spanish Masters
In Spain, Martin Landaluce has had the rare privilege of training alongside two of the nation’s greatest: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. Joining the Rafa Nadal Academy at 14, Landaluce was immediately immersed in a world-class environment. “Just a week or two after arriving, I was already practicing with Rafa, on clay, his best surface,” he recalls. “It was a big challenge, but I loved it.”
What struck Landaluce most about Nadal wasn’t his technique—it was his attitude. “What shocked me most was how he treated me, like an equal,” Landaluce shares. “Even though I was 14 and unknown, he respected me, trained hard, and took every point seriously.” This professionalism, coupled with humility, is the essence of what Landaluce strives to emulate. “Even with all the fans and kids around, Rafa always made time for them. That humility inspired me,” he says.
Alcaraz, a close friend and fellow US Open junior champion, offers a different kind of inspiration. “Carlos is an amazing guy, funny, down to earth, and so natural,” Landaluce says. “He’s achieved so much, but he still has that brightness and joy. That motivates me to keep my own spirit alive and keep learning.” For Landaluce, the Spanish way of playing tennis is defined by humility, fight, and joy—a spirit he carries into every match.
Prizmic: The Croatian Fighting Spirit
Growing up in Croatia, Dino Prizmic looked up to Marin Cilic and Borna Coric, two players who showed him what was possible on the global stage. “I looked up to both of them,” Prizmic says. “From them, I learned to fight every point, to believe in yourself no matter the score.” His friendship with Coric, which began at the Piatti Tennis Academy, and his training sessions with Cilic in Zagreb, have been invaluable.
“It’s a great thing to have players like that around you,” Prizmic explains. “You can always ask them for advice, and they’re willing to help.” Representing Croatia in the Davis Cup has deepened his national pride. “We played against Slovakia this year and won,” he recalls. “That was a big pleasure for me. It’s special to wear your country’s colours and feel that support.”
The Bigger Picture: Mentorship and Legacy
For Basavareddy, Landaluce, and Prizmic, their role models are more than just names—they’re living examples of dedication, humility, and resilience. Whether it’s Nadal’s humility, Ram’s mentorship, or Cilic’s fighting spirit, these qualities continue to guide the next generation as they prepare for the biggest stages of their careers.
But here’s the controversial part: In a sport often celebrated for individual achievement, how much credit should mentors and role models receive for a player’s success? Is it the player’s talent, or the guidance they receive, that truly makes the difference? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our Next Gen ATP series, Next in Line, where we’ll explore what fuels Landaluce, Justin Engel, and Federico Cina on November 18. Until then, let’s celebrate the legacy being built—one match, one mentor, and one inspired player at a time.
