"One match doesn't define your career," Tien discusses potential revenge against Blockx

Learner Tien and Alexander Blockx meet in the final of the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals. Nearly three years after their epic duel in Melbourne, the American dreams of revenge against the Belgian, in a showdown that promises to be electric in Jeddah.

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 21/12/2025 à 08h14

1 min to read

Blockx Alexander Tien Learner

The final of the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals is set. The tournament's top two seeds, Learner Tien and Alexander Blockx, have held their ground throughout the week and will battle for the title in Jeddah.

A match with the feel of a revenge opportunity for the American, who fell to the Belgian in the third-set tiebreak of the 2023 Australian Open Junior final. Nearly three years later, the two will meet again, aiming to succeed João Fonseca on the winners' list.

"I try not to put too much pressure on myself"

"I think I've learned to manage myself better from week to week. Handling wins, handling losses... mentally, off the court, that's what I've improved the most. I try not to put too much pressure on myself.

It's great to see all these young players motivating each other this year, but I'm just trying to enjoy the present moment, because I'm playing in all these tournaments for the first time.

The 2023 Australian Open Junior final? One match doesn't define your season, nor your career," Tien assured after his qualification to Tennis Up To Date.