Teen Sensation Learner Tien Upsets Medvedev in Australian Open Epic
In a thrilling late-night encounter at the Australian Open on Thursday, 19-year-old American qualifier Learner Tien stunned three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev, securing a remarkable 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-7(8), 1-6, 7-6(7) victory.
Tien, born in California to Vietnamese parents, showcased incredible resilience and tactical prowess to overcome the fifth-seeded Russian in a marathon match that lasted nearly five hours and concluded close to 3 a.m. local time on Margaret Court Arena.
“I was definitely hoping it wasn’t going to go to a fifth-set breaker,” Tien told the dedicated crowd that stayed till the end. “Either way, I was just really happy to get the win. I know I made it a lot harder than maybe it could have been, but you know, whatever.”
The victory makes Tien the youngest American man to reach the third round at the Australian Open since Pete Sampras did so at 18 in 1990.
A Match for the Ages
Tien appeared to be on the verge of victory after taking the first two sets, but Medvedev, a former U.S. Open champion, saved a match point with an ace in the third-set tiebreak and surged back to level the match at two sets apiece.
Despite appearing fatigued in the fourth set, Tien tapped into his reserves to match Medvedev shot for shot in the decider. After a brief rain delay at 5-5, Medvedev served for the match at 6-5, but Tien broke back to force a final-set tiebreak.
“I just tried to stay focused and play each point as it came,” Tien said. “Medvedev is a great player, and I knew I had to give it everything.”
Tien displayed nerves of steel in the super tiebreak, overcoming a 4-6 deficit to clinch the match on his first match point as Medvedev’s return sailed long.
Making History
Prior to this tournament, Tien had fallen in the opening round in his first three Grand Slam appearances. His win over Medvedev not only marks his first top-tier victory but also signals the arrival of a new talent on the global tennis stage.
The win has sent shockwaves through the tennis community and provided an inspiring moment for sports fans, particularly those of Asian descent who see a reflection of their heritage in Tien’s success.
Other Tournament Highlights
In the women’s draw, last year’s French Open and Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini eased past Mexico’s Renata Zarazua 6-2, 6-3 to reach the third round. The fourth-seeded Italian will next face Ukrainian 28th seed Elina Svitolina.
Meanwhile, sixth seed Elena Rybakina dispatched American wildcard Iva Jovic 6-0, 6-3, overcoming a second-set challenge to advance further in the tournament.
Reference(s):
Qualifier Learner Tien stuns Daniil Medvedev in late night epic
cgtn.com
