19-Year-Old Learner Tien Stuns Medvedev in Epic Late-Night Showdown
The Australian Open continues to witness teenage triumphs, with 19-year-old American qualifier Learner Tien pulling off a spectacular upset against former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in a grueling five-set battle. The match, which lasted an exhausting four hours and 48 minutes, ended just after 2:50 a.m., cementing Tien’s status as a rising star.
In a rollercoaster showdown, Tien clinched victory with a nail-biting scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (8-10), 1-6, 7-6 (10-7). Despite facing match-point adversity in the third set and a late-game break in the fifth, Tien showcased remarkable resilience and precision.
The world No. 121 seemed to falter when Medvedev served for the match at 6-5 in the fifth set. Yet, Tien dug deep, producing two stunning winners to break back. Moments later, he surged ahead, seizing two match points and forcing Medvedev into an unforced error that sealed the teenager’s historic win.
Commentator Rob Koenig couldn’t contain his amazement, exclaiming, “In your life, have you ever seen a game like that given the circumstances of the teenager?”
The match marked a career milestone for Tien, being the longest he’s ever played. His incredible composure under pressure and ability to outlast Medvedev’s frustration—evidenced by a broken racquet and point penalty—highlighted the makings of a future champion.
This victory makes Tien the third teenager at this year’s tournament to defeat a top-10 player, following the impressive performances of Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik.
It was, as Koenig described, “an absolute epic here in Melbourne—the best win of his career.”