Learner Tien continued his dream run on the ATP Tour’s Asian leg with a victory over Cameron Norrie in the third round.
Tien has been heavily praised for his performances at the Shanghai Masters and the China Open as he’s racked up a 9-2 record on the continent.
The American is currently the highest-ranked teenager on the ATP Tour and his performances have won him plenty of plaudits and fans.
The star has even surprised himself at the Shanghai Masters and he’s explained what he’s been most impressed by on his dream run.
Learner Tien has been impressed by his transition from the China Open
Tien had a China Open to remember by reaching his very first ATP Tour-level final in Beijing against Jannik Sinner.
The American defeated Daniil Medvedev, Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, and Francisco Cerúndolo in his breakout tournament, but he’s not rested on his laurels after making the switch to the Shanghai Masters.
Tien has already toppled Miomir Kecmanović, Corentin Moutet, and Norrie to set up a fourth round match with either Medvedev or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
The American has been impressed by the way he’s transitioned between the two illustrious Asian tournaments.
“I’m really happy with how I’ve been adjusting so far,” said Tien after picking up a win against Norrie in the third round.
“I only had one day, I got here late Wednesday night, and then I had like a light day Thursday, and then I had to play Friday and Saturday, so really happy with how I’ve been adjusting,” he continued.
“I’ve honestly been holding up better than I expected to and, yeah, I’m happy I get a day off tomorrow,” said Tien.
The star will play either Medvedev or Davidovich Fokina on October 8, with the order of play yet to be announced.
Learner Tien comments on the Shanghai conditions
The conditions in Shanghai have plagued plenty of players, with the likes of Jannik Sinner and David Goffin retiring from the action.
The humidity and the heat have been a struggle for the players, but Tien has dealt with the issues well despite playing some long matches.
“I feel like I can go into these matches being able to kind of last through, no matter what my opponent can throw at me,” said Tien when talking about the conditions.
“It’s huge for my confidence going out there that, no matter the conditions, I can kind of acclimate and get through these long matches.”
Tien has jumped to World No. 36 after his exploits at the China Open and the Shanghai Masters and is on track to get seeded entry into the Australian Open.
