Learner Tien Grinds Past Defending Champ Kecmanovic to Reach Delray Beach Quarterfinals

Learner Tien continues to be a student of the game and a huge puzzle for the rest of the tour. The 20-year-old American escaped a feverish battle with Miomir Kecmanovic on Thursday at the Delray Beach Open, converting his fifth match point to earn a 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(5) win and a place in his eighth career quarterfinal. 

How did Tien manage to get through a nailbiting two hour and 15-minute contest? 

“I just kept believing,” the Southern California native said on court. 

Always humble, the World No.23 didn’t take too much credit for his latest victory. 

“I got a little lucky,” he said. “But just fighting, staying in there every point, and really making him close me out paid off.”

Kecmanovic, who defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in last year’s final after saving two championship points, ran out of answers – and magic – against the American, who pressured him throughout the grinding contest with jaw-dropping defense and his persistent attack. 

Tien will face either Zachary Zvajda or eighth-seeded Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Learner Tien’s Quarterfinal Experience on the ATP Tour