Tien reaches the Next Gen Masters final
We didn't see it coming. Learner Tien, the tournament's number 5 seed and 122nd player in the world, has just booked his place in the Masters Next Gen final.
At the age of 19, the young American continues his lightning progression. After finishing second in his group behind Joao Fonseca, the left-hander tamed compatriot Alex Michelsen in the semi-finals (2-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, 4-1).
Up against a slightly more experienced opponent (20 years old) and, above all, a higher-ranked player (41st), Tien played a full match, showing himself to be as aggressive as he was effective.
In the final, he could well meet up with his group-stage tormentor, Joao Fonseca. Unless, of course, the Brazilian is surprised by Luca Van Assche.
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