By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday December 21, 2024
Joao Fonseca remained undefeated at the Next Gen ATP Finals - he will face American Learner Tien for the title.
Photo Source: TTV
18-year-old Joao Fonseca continued his sparkling run at the Next Gen ATP Finals on Saturday, defeating Luca Van Assche 4-2, 4-2, 4-1 to set a final with American Learner Tien.
Tien rallied from two sets to one down to topple compatriot Alex Michelsen, 2-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, 4-1.
Southern California native Tien, 19 and ranked 122, has become the third American to reach the final at the Next Gen ATP Finals.
Tien has defeated the top three seeds in Riyadh and rallied to take eight of the final games against 41st-ranked Michelsen.
Tien had mixed emotions due to the nature of his friendship with Michelsen. The pair hail from the same region of Southern Californa - Tien is from Irvine while Michelsen hails from Laguna Hills. They go way back.
"I can't put it into words right now," Tien said following his win. "I am really happy with the win but I hate it was against him, but that is just how it goes. “He talked a bit more about his experience, and his mentality,”
Fonseca, a former Junior No.1 who ranks 145 at the moment, said. “The way that he’s a hard worker, it’s really nice and it inspired me today.”
Fonseca began the week as the lowest seed in an eight-man field but is now the only undefeated player left standing in the tournament. He will bid to become the second youngest player to win the Next Gen ATP Finals – Jannik Sinner, who won the title in 2019 at the age of 18, is the youngest.
The Rio resident, who was the first Brazilian in history to finish a season as the No.1 junior in 2023, has risen from outside the Top 700 at the start of the season to his current perch (145). Similarly, Tien started the season barely inside the Top 500, but now stands at 122.
His final with Tien will be a rematch of their battle on Thursday, won by Fonseca in four sets.
“I’m playing a very high level,” the Brazilian said. “I’m just very proud of myself and the way that I’ve been with my routine this week, so focused. With my family here, with my three coaches, it’s really nice and I hope I can go for the title.”
Former Next Gen ATP Finals Champions
2017 Hyeon Chung
2018 Stefanos Tsitsipas
2019 Jannik Sinner
2021 Carlos Alcaraz
2022 Brandon Nakashima
2023 Hamad Medjedovic