TEENAGE Norwegian prodigy Nicolai Budkov Kjaer has become the first player from his nation to win a Grand Slam title after the 17-year-old defeated Dutchman Mees Rottgering in the junior boys singles Wimbledon final overnight. Though top 10 talent Casper Ruud has come close a couple of times on the ATP Tour, Budkov Kjaer is the first to achieve the feat be it on the junior or senior tours.

Budkov Kjaer defeated Rottgering 6-3 6-3 in 68 minutes at the All England club, with the teenager also winning back-to-back ITF Tour titles in Antalya back in March. Having reached the quarter finals stage of both the Australian and Wimbledon junior doubles, and winning the French Open junior doubles – with Austrian Joel Schwaerzler – Budkov Kjaer surpassed his previous singles best of a semi-final at Melbourne Park this year.

The world number four broke early and was able to maintain control, racing to a 3-0 lead and then holding on to take the first set 6-3. After going down a break in the second set, he motored on to regain control, winning the last five games of the match – breaking twice – to take out the match 6-3 6-3.

“It’s a big achievement to be the first one [from Norway],” Budkov Kjaer said post-match. “But this is juniors – I’m trying to do bigger things than only in the juniors but of course it’s a big milestone for me and everyone around me so of course I’m very proud.

“It was very nerve wracking to play the final on the big stage. I felt I served quite good [on my] first serve. My second serve was a bit shaky, but I served okay. I’m happy with the performance.”

Budkov Kjaer served eight aces among 19 winners, six more aces and four more winners than his opponent, while having three less unforced errors (18-21). That state was made all more impressive by the fact that eight of those unforced errors were double faults.

The Norwegian won 68 and 46 per cent of his first and second serve points, breaking five times to two, and winning 53 per cent of his receiving points in the process. While Rottgering did not play badly, Budkov Kjaer was just too strong and consistent throughout the match.