In a match that will go down in Australian Open legend, 19-year-old American sensation Learner Tien achieved an incredible feat by defeating three-time Melbourne finalist Daniil Medvedev with a score of 6 -3, 7-6(4), 6-7(8), 1-6, 7-6(7) during a night marathon. The audience at Margaret Court Arena, captivated by the nearly five-hour epic that ended just before 3 a.m., witnessed a fearless performance from the world number 121, who became the youngest American man to reach the third round of the Australian Open since Pete Sampras in 1990.
Youthful tenacity meets experience
Tien, born to Vietnamese parents in California and named after his mother’s profession as a teacher, demonstrated mastery and tactical brilliance well beyond his years. Facing the wily and resilient Medvedev, Tien’s ability to adapt and execute left the audience—and likely his opponent—stunned.
“I mean, I was really hoping it wouldn’t go to a deciding fifth set,” Tien joked with the crowd after the match. “But regardless, I’m just really happy that I won.” I know I made it a lot harder than it could have been. But, you know, it doesn’t matter. »
A story of ups and downs
Tien’s journey to victory was anything but smooth. After winning the first set by coming back from 3-1 down with five consecutive games, he showed remarkable composure in the second, where a chaotic battle of service breaks ended in a tiebreak that Tien won with an icy forehand winner.
However, Medvedev, a former US Open champion and known for his mental and physical stamina, managed to come back. Saving a match point with a powerful ace in the third set tiebreak, Medvedev took the momentum, cruising through the fourth set with ease as Tien visibly struggled.
-Nevertheless, the Californian’s determination was unwavering. Despite being pushed to the limit in the deciding set, Tien hung on through grueling rallies, even after a rain break and as Medvedev served for the match at 6-5. The young left-hander managed to break and extended the fight into a 10-point tiebreak, where he came back from 4-6 down to secure the victory as Medvedev sent a tired return over the line.
Unusual Resilience
When asked about his apparent capitulation in the fourth set, Tien’s frank response drew laughter: “Honestly, in the fourth set I really had to pee too much. I was just trying to finish that quick enough, but I also wanted to start serving in the fifth, so I managed to win that game at 0-5, and everything went well. »
A Star Is Born
Tien’s triumph makes him the youngest American to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Donald Young at the 2007 US Open. His unwavering confidence and dazzling performance on one of tennis’ biggest stages signals the arrival of a new force in sport. As he prepares to face Frenchman Corentin Moutet, Tien has already captured the hearts of fans and set the tennis world abuzz.
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