Zverev: You’re Never Safe Against Learner Tien

Alexander Zverev came away with a hard-fought four-set win over American Learner Tien on Day 10 in Melbourne, but the German came away impressed with improvements that Tien has made to his game over the last 52 weeks.

Zverev, who split two battles with Tien last year, says he could feel the difference in the 20-year-old’s game.

“It was incredible to see how he played from the baseline,” Zverev said. “I thought he was playing unbelievable. For me to win, I think the serve was very important for me, because on the baseline, again, he was playing amazing.”

What impressed Zverev most about the young southpaw?

“What impressed me the most is – I talked to my team (about this) afterwards – I felt like I didn’t have a spot on the court where I could just hit the ball and I felt like I was out of danger,” Zverev said, then went on to explain.

“Doesn’t matter what speed, doesn’t matter the height. I felt like if I was hitting fast but in his racquet, he was using my speed to redirect the ball. If I was hitting a bit slower, he was taking the ball early, being aggressive himself.”

Zverev said that the improvements bode well for Tien’s future, as does the fact that Tien has paired up with Michael Chang as his coach.

“I felt like there was not really a spot on the court where you could just put the ball there and restart the rally, which was quite impressive. It wasn’t the case last year, so he has improved a lot in that regard,” he said. “I think, also, got to give credit to Michael Chang. I think what he is doing with him is phenomenal. Yeah, hell of a player right now.”

Despite the loss, Tien was the youngest player to reach the quarterfinals, and the youngest to achieve that feat since Nick Kyrgios in 2015. He was the youngest American to reach the quarterfinals at a major since Andy Roddick in 2002. The future is indeed bright.