Learner Tien defeated close friend Alex Michelsen to reach the Next Gen ATP Finals title match on Saturday but admitted he “hated” having had to face his American compatriot.
The 19-year-old left-hander ranked 122 in the world, came through 2-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, 4-1 in a semifinal which boasted tennis legend Rafael Nadal amongst the spectators.
“I can’t put it into words right now,” said Tien who hit 21 winners past the 41st-ranked Michelsen.
“I am really happy with the win but I hate it against him, but that is just how it goes. I started smiling when I came out here and saw him on the other side of the net, but I am really happy to get through and think I played really well,” he added.
Tien will face Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, the lowest-ranked player in the draw at 145, who eased into the final by seeing off France’s Luca Van Assche 4-2, 4-2, 4-1.
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Fonseca is the second youngest man to make the Next Gen final after current world number one and two-time major winner Jannik Sinner who took the title in 2019.
The Brazilian has won all of his four matches in Jeddah this week, a run which included the biggest win of his career against 20th-ranked Arthur Fils of France.
“Today was a great match. I played really solidly,” said Fonseca after his one-hour victory.
“He didn’t have too many chances because I was playing so aggressively and making all the shots. There is one more match to go, and I hope I can for it,” he added.
Sunday’s final will feature the two youngest players in the eight-man field with Fonseca having the advantage of already beating Tien during the group stages.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com