Learner Tien’s dream week in China continued on Tuesday, as he defeated Daniil Medvedev to reach a maiden ATP Tour final.
Tien, 19, has demonstrated excellent form on his way to the final, defeating three higher-ranked players: Flavio Cobolli, Lorenzo Musetti and Daniil Medvedev.
However, midway through his contest against Medvedev, it seemed Tien would exit the tournament at the semi-final stage.
Medvedev found himself a set and 5-3 up against the American, but was unable to close out the contest after suffering severe cramp.
The Russian retired at 5-7 7-5 4-0, handing Tien a famous victory.
Learner Tien emulates Andy Roddick
Learner Tien has certainly cemented his place as one of the most promising young American stars on the ATP Tour.
The 19-year-old continues to impress, not least against Medvedev.
As per Opta Ace, Learner Tien is the first American teenager to claim multiple ATP-level match wins over Grand Slam champions since Andy Roddick in 2002.
Both of Tien’s victories over Grand Slam champions this year have come against Daniil Medvedev.
Tien’s first victory against Medvedev this year came at the Australian Open, when he stunned the former world number one in five sets, winning 6-3, 7-6, 6-7, 1-6, 7-6.
After the victory in January, Tien told the ATP Tour: “I was definitely hoping it wouldn’t go to a fifth-set breaker, but I’m just happy to get a win.
“I know I made it a lot harder than maybe it could have been… Losing the third was tough after playing for that long and having a match point.
“I didn’t even get to touch the ball I don’t think, it was an ace. So it was a little disappointing to see a fourth [set] after fighting back from a break down in the third.
“Honestly in the fourth set I just had to pee so bad, so I was trying to finish it up fairly quick. But I also wanted to start the fifth serving, so I scrapped that game at 0-5, and it all worked out.”
Learner Tien reacts to Daniil Medvedev’s injury
After the contest against Medvedev in China, Learner Tien offered his thoughts regarding the Russian’s injury.
Tien said: “I was down 3-5 and 2-4 in the second and clawed my way back.
“I didn’t think anything was wrong with him, and then he came out of the bathroom break kind of limping, so I was not sure if he was cramping or if he was injured as he had tape on his leg.
“I think it was cramping and I have been there and it is not fun.
“All the best to him and it is not how you want to come through a match but I am happy to be in the final.”
Tien will face Jannik Sinner in Wednesday’s final. The pair have never played each other before on the ATP Tour.
