🎾 In a match that could've been scripted by Hollywood, 19-year-old American qualifier Learner Tien shocked the tennis world by defeating fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in a late-night epic at the Australian Open! 🌙✨
After nearly five hours of intense rallying under the stars, Tien emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-7(8), 1-6, 7-6(7). The crowd at Margaret Court Arena was on the edge of their seats as the two players battled past 3 a.m., witnessing history in the making. 🕒🔥
\"I was definitely hoping it wouldn't go to a fifth set breaker,\" Tien laughed, soaked in sweat but beaming with joy. \"Either way, I'm 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!\" 😅🙌
Tien, born in California to Vietnamese parents, showed incredible grit and determination. Despite Medvedev saving a match point in the third set tiebreak with an ace, Tien tapped into his last reserves to secure the biggest victory of his young career. 🇺🇸🌟
He became the youngest American man to reach the third round at the Australian Open since Pete Sampras did so at 18 in 1990. Talk about following in legendary footsteps! 🏆👣
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Tien took the first two sets with tactical brilliance, keeping Medvedev on the run. The Russian, known for his resilience, stormed back to level the match, and it looked like experience would triumph over youth. But Tien had other plans. 🚀
After a brief rain delay at 5-5 in the final set, the tension was palpable. Medvedev served for the match at 6-5, but Tien refused to back down, breaking back to force a super tiebreak. The energy was electric! ⚡️❤️
In the deciding tiebreak, Tien showed nerves of steel. Trailing 4-6, he rallied to win six of the last seven points. On his first match point, Medvedev's return sailed long, and the stadium erupted! Tien fell to his knees in disbelief as the crowd cheered the underdog's triumph. 🥳👏
This match is sure to go down as one of the classics. Keep an eye on Learner Tien—this is just the beginning for the rising star! 🌠✨
In other action, Italy's Jasmine Paolini advanced smoothly, and Elena Rybakina continued her strong form, serving up more excitement at Melbourne Park. Stay tuned for more thrills from the Australian Open! 🇦🇺🎉
Reference(s):
Qualifier Learner Tien stuns Daniil Medvedev in late night epic
cgtn.com
