Alexander Zverev has enjoyed stunning success against left-handed players, with Learner Tien the only one to beat him since 2023.
Zverev is currently playing at the Miami Open, where the German will play against Quentin Halys in the round of 16.
That meeting arrives after wins against Marin Cilic and lefty Martin Damm Jr., thus extending Zverev’s record against such players since 2023 to 40-1.
His only loss arrived against American youngster and ATP number 21 Tien, who suffered a very early exit at the Miami Open.
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Learner Tien is the only lefty to beat Alexander Zverev since 2023
Tien has met Zverev three times in his exciting ATP career so far, and won their very first clash in Acapulco in 2025.
He triumphed 6-3, 6-4 in their round of 16 tie, although the German has since exacted revenge with back-to-back wins, both at Grand Slams.
| Year | Winner | Tournament | Round | Surface | Score |
| 2026 | Alexander Zverev | Australian Open | Quarterfinal | Outdoor Hard | 63 67(5) 61 76(3) |
| 2025 | Alexander Zverev | Roland Garros | Round of 128 | Outdoor Clay | 63 63 64 |
| 2025 | Learner Tien | Acapulco | Round of 16 | Outdoor Hard | 63 64 |
Zverev has turned their rivalry on its head, but Tien is far from the only left-hander who he clearly enjoys playing against.
He has yet to meet British number one Jack Draper, but boasts a fantastic 7-0 career record against his fellow Briton and fellow lefty Cameron Norrie.
And top 10 player Ben Shelton has endured similar struggles, losing all five of his career matches with Zverev so far.
American men enjoy impressive Miami Open showing
A Tien versus Zverev reunion was very much possible after the Miami Open draw was announced, but the American was upset in his opening match.
Shortly after reaching the Indian Wells quarterfinals, the 20th seed was beaten by Kamil Majchrzak, who then lost to Halys, Zverev’s next opponent.
Still, despite the loss, there is rightfully plenty of excitement surrounding Tien, and indeed his countryman and fellow lefty Shelton.
However, it is a handful of their compatriots who are currently flying the American flag at the Miami Open.
For the first time since seven in 1996, five American men have reached the fourth round of the tournament.
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And importantly for a potential home champion, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Sebastian Korda and Alex Michelsen have all been kept apart in the draw for the time being.
Miami Open fans have to go all the way back to 2018 for a home winner, when John Isner defeated Zverev in the final.
Incidentally, it has been a tournament to forget for left-handed players, although Terence Atmane and Ugo Humbert remain in contention.
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