Learner Tien looks for revenge, in two ways, in the Next Gen ATP Finals title match

Asked about one of his prior meetings with Alexander Blockx, in the 2023 Australian Open junior final, Learner Tien had this to say on Saturday: “The only thing I remember is that [it] was the most heartbreaking loss of my life to that point.”

Asked about his match tomorrow at the Next Gen ATP Finals—his second in as many years—Tien had this to say on Saturday: “He just kind of ran away with it,” referring to eventual winner Joao Fonseca. “I’m obviously trying to not let that happen again.”

🖥️📲 Stream Tien vs. Blockx on the Tennis Channel App!

Nearly 11 months to the day, at the beginning of this season, Tien made better memories for himself at the Australian Open. He qualified for the main draw, won a five-setter over Camilo Ugo Carabelli—then stunned fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in a fifth-set tiebreak. He even won another match to reach the round of 16 at a Slam for the first time.

Now, at the very, very end of the tennis season, can Tien reverse his fortune at another showcase event? To do so, he’ll need to also reverse his fortune against Blockx.

If his play today was any indication, Tien should feel confident. Facing compatriot Nihesh Basavareddy, the just-turned-20-year-old was clinical in a 4-2, 4-1, 4-3 (3) victory.

Of course, so was Blockx, who defeated Nicolai Budkov Kjær in straights, 4-3 (4), 4-3 (8), 4-2.

“This has been my most difficult match this week by far; the level we both played was really high,” said Blockx. “The second set is just that the luck fell on my side a bit.”

Blockx comes into the championship contest without having dropped a match in Jeddah, on the strength of, among other things, 43 aces.

On November 10, both Tien and Blockx reached career-high rankings. The American is currently 28^th; the Belgian is currently 116^th. But little seems to separate them now.

The slogan for the Next Gen ATP Finals? It all starts here. On Sunday, it all ends here.

🖥️📲 Stream Tien vs. Blockx on the Tennis Channel App!