In a thrilling encounter at the Next Gen ATP Finals, American Learner Tien triumphed over his close friend and compatriot Alex Michelsen in a dramatic five-set match, securing a place in the final.
The hard-fought victory made Tien the third American to reach the summit clash of this prestigious tournament. His remarkable performance, including a comeback after being pushed to the limit by Michelsen, was a testament to his resilience and skill.
The semifinal clash between Tien and Michelsen, both of whom have been close friends for over a decade, was a spectacle for tennis fans. The two have shared countless moments off the court, training together in California and even engaging in friendly Fortnite and table tennis duels.
However, their friendship was put aside in Saudi Arabia, where they faced off in a fiercely contested match on Saturday.
The match, played at the King Abdullah Sports City, was witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd, including former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who watched the battle between the two Americans from the sidelines.
The first three sets were closely contested, with both players showing remarkable levels of skill and determination. Michelsen, with his powerful serves, dominated Tien at times, putting pressure on his younger opponent.
However, Tien responded with a tactical display, using brilliant angles and aggressive groundstrokes to pull Michelsen across the court. Despite the physical dominance of Michelsen, the 19-year-old Tien managed to stay in the fight and outmanoeuvre his friend.
The turning point in the match came at the start of the fourth set. Tien found his rhythm and began to dominate, winning seven consecutive games.
He capitalised on the momentum shift and controlled the baseline exchanges, taking control of the match. In the final set, Tien was unrelenting, playing with precision and confidence to seal his victory after one hour and 36 minutes of intense action.
“I can’t put it into words right now,” Tien said after the match, reflecting on his victory. “I am really happy with the win but I hate that it was against him, but that is just how it goes. I started smiling when I came out here and saw him on the other side of the net, but I am really happy to get through and think I played really well.”
Tien’s 21 winners were a key factor in his success, and his ability to rise to the occasion in the latter stages of the match showcased his growth as a player.
Tien’s win ensures his place in the final of the Next Gen ATP Finals, where he will face the winner of the second semifinal between Brazilian Joao Fonseca and Frenchman Luca Van Assche.
As Tien looks ahead to the final, his journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive, and his victory over Michelsen will go down as one of the most memorable moments of this year’s tournament.
This win also highlights the growing presence of American players in the next generation of tennis, with Tien joining an elite group of Americans who have made it to the final stages of this prestigious event.
The camaraderie and competition between Tien and Michelsen are a reflection of the spirit of the Next Gen ATP Finals, where emerging stars come together to showcase their talents and build their careers.
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