In a match that felt straight out of a Netflix sports drama, 19-year-old qualifier Learner Tien shocked the tennis world by toppling fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in a jaw-dropping five-set battle at the Australian Open. The four-hour, 49-minute late-night showdown ended at 3 a.m., with die-hard fans screaming their lungs out as the California-born star sealed victory.
From College Courts to Grand Slam Glory 🏆
Tien, whose parents immigrated from Vietnam, channeled his signature lefty power to outplay the former U.S. Open champ. 'I was just praying it wouldn't go to another tiebreak,' laughed the world No. 121 post-match, still buzzing from becoming the youngest American man to reach Round 3 since Pete Sampras in 1990.
Rollercoaster Match Breakdown ⚡
After snatching the first two sets, Tien faced Medvedev's brutal comeback – including a fourth-set meltdown that looked like game over. But when rain paused the decider at 5-5, the teen regrouped for what fans are calling 'The Tiebreak Heard Round Melbourne.' Saving multiple match points, Tien's ice-veined forehand winner sealed his Cinderella moment.
What's Next? 🔥
While Medvedev boards a flight home, Tien preps for his next match – and suddenly everyone's Googling this college tennis phenom. Meanwhile, Italy's Jasmine Paolini cruised into Round 3, setting up a clash with Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.
