Learner Tien’s dream Asian leg continued as he confirmed his place in the Shanghai Masters third round.
Tien was impressive at the China Open as he reached the final of the tournament by defeating Daniil Medvedev, Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, and Francisco Cerúndolo.
The World No. 36’s China Open campaign was brought to an end by eventual winner Jannik Sinner, but the young American has continued his great form into the Shanghai Masters.
After confirming a third-round match with Cameron Norrie, the star praised another ‘talented’ star who he believes goes under the radar.
Learner Tien heralds Corentin Moutet after Shanghai win
Tien produced a stellar comeback after going a set and a break down to Corentin Moutet in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.
Tien eventually won the match in three sets and he was full of praise for the Frenchman, having sent him out of the tournament.
Speaking at the Shanghai Masters press conference, Tien said: “He’s a great player. He’s really tricky. I feel he doesn’t get enough credit for how good of a tennis player he is.
“I mean, he’s crazy talented, makes it so hard for you to win some of these points. I knew it was going to be a tough match. He beat me in straight sets on grass.
“Every time we’ve played each other it’s been so hot, conditions have been so tough. So, yeah I’m super happy to come through.”
Tien and Moutet have played each other three times this year, with the American winning two of their matches.
Learner Tien has a real opportunity for another impressive run
Tien will be brimming with confidence at the Shanghai Masters after his Asian form, and Carlos Alcaraz’s omission from the tournament could help him have another run in a huge tournament.
The American has Norrie next, who struggled to a three-set victory over Arthur Cazaux to confirm his first win since the US Open.
Should the teenager find a way past the Briton, he’ll likely play Medvedev, who he beat at the China Open.
A quarter-final appearance at an ATP 1000 event will likely see Tien rise even further up the rankings following his exploits in Beijing.
