Learner Tien has once again booked his place in the championship match at the Next Gen ATP Finals.
The American defeated his compatriot, Nishesh Basavareddy, in straight sets to advance to the final, where he will face second seed Alexander Blockx.
After a shock defeat in his first group stage match, Tien has claimed three consecutive wins in Jeddah, beating Martin Landaluce, Nicolai Budkov Kjær, and Basavareddy.
Having reached the title bout last year, the 20-year-old is now just the second player to make back-to-back finals in the history of the event, joining Alex de Minaur.
Though his performances have been solid, Tien admitted he has been struggling with the format of the Next Gen ATP Finals.
Learner Tien discusses the format at the Next Gen ATP Finals
The tournament features best-of-five matches, with players needing just four games to win each set.
Many rules at the Next Gen ATP Finals are completely different to those on the ATP Tour, including the addition of sudden-death deuce.
If you could change one rule in tennis what would it be and why?
As per the ATP Tour website, Tien said: “I’m not sure if it’s the format and it might just be me, but I feel like this week I’ve been struggling to focus in some of these matches.
“My mind just kind of goes in and out, especially when I get up in the score, and with this format, momentum can change really quick.
“I get up, and then I take a few points off and suddenly we’re in a no-Ad point and momentum just shifts so quickly that suddenly you can lose a set off of one game.”
Blockx, Tien’s final opponent, added: “Knowing a loss of serve could be costly for a set or having more break opportunities with the sudden-death deuce comes into my head, but this week I feel I have played those big points well.
Learner Tien’s defeat at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals
Tien’s last trip to the Next Gen ATP Finals ended in a near-miss, after putting together an impressive campaign.
He picked up wins against the likes of Arthur Fils, Jakub Mensik and Alex Michelsen en route to the final, where he met Joao Fonseca.
Though he drew first blood against Fonseca, Tien conceded the match in four sets, with the Brazilian going undefeated throughout the tournament.
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
Recently reflecting on last year’s final, Tien said: “I won the first and had chances in the second before he just ran away with it.
“I will try not to let that happen [against Blockx]. I know Alex has been playing great this week, so I’m really excited.”
Tien is seeded first at this year’s Next Gen ATP Finals, and is the favourite to hoist the trophy.
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