Alexander Zverev booked his third consecutive AO semifinal, but it was the 20-year-old American’s baseline brilliance that left the German genuinely impressed after their gripping QF clash. Zverev battled past the American rising star in a four-set thriller, 6-3, 6(5)-7, 6-1, 7-6(3), to keep his maiden Grand Slam title hopes alive in Melbourne. Reflecting on the match, the world number 3 singled out Tien’s exceptional baseline game as the most striking aspect of his performance.

Before the match, Zverev had made it pretty clear that he’s not taking the world number 29 lightly. In fact, the German had also mentioned that he has “massive respect” for Tien. We saw how challenging it was for Zverev to get past this opponent in the QF. After the match, Zverev once again heaped praise on the American.

“Learner from the baseline was playing unbelievably. I don’t think I’ve played anyone who plays that well from the baseline for a very, very long time. I don’t know what Michael Chang has done with him in the off-season, but the way he’s playing is incredible. I probably would not have won today without my 20 aces. Obviously, very happy with my serve. Generally happy to be back in the semis.”

With the Rod Laver Arena roof closed due to extreme heat, Alexander Zverev leaned heavily on his serve to control the contest. He fired 24 aces, saved all three break points with unreturned serves, and dominated short rallies, winning 106 exchanges of 0-4 shots to Tien’s 68. The performance marked Zverev’s tenth Grand Slam SF, his fourth at the AO, and extended his impressive 2026 record to 6-1. He has now won 38 of his last 39 matches against left-handers.

Alexander Zverev’s own evolution was on full display, particularly on serve. Once plagued by double faults, averaging nearly six per match in 2020, he has steadily improved, cutting that number to 1.9 in 2025. Against Tien, he committed just one double fault while winning 76% of his first-serve points.

Now, the German awaits a blockbuster SF against either world number one Carlos Alcaraz or home favorite Alex de Minaur. But after surviving a stern test from a fearless 20-year-old, Zverev had made it clear: Learner Tien isn’t just a prospect; he’s already a problem for the very best.

Do other tennis stars agree with Alexander Zverev on this incredibly talented American?

After Alexander Zverev heaped praise on Learner Tien’s elite baseline game at the AO, fans are now wondering if other tennis bigwigs see the same superstar potential in the 20-year-old American. Well, Tien has never hidden his ambition. In August 2025, he made his intentions crystal clear while speaking to CLAY and RG Media. “I want to be great. I want to achieve great things in the sport.”

At the 2026 AO, Tien had the chance to become the youngest man in 34 years to reach the AO SF, but Alexander Zverev spoiled his plans. But having said that, there’s no point in denying his incredible talent. And who knows this better than someone who has a 1-3 record against Learner Tien?

Last year, in an interview, Daniil Medvedev predicted Tien to make it into the Top 10 at some point in his career. Even American legends like John McEnroe and Andre Agassi rate this youngster highly.

Speaking to Eurosport in a previous interview, McEnroe said, “I think he is going to be a formidable force. He is not a particularly big guy, but he sure takes the ball early and hits a clean ball. I like what I am seeing from Tien right now.”

Agassi echoed those sentiments in an interview with AFP. He highlighted Tien’s rare combination of skill and intelligence. “He (Learner) has learned the game phenomenally well. He is incredibly gifted, not just with his game, but with his mind. He has to overcome certain physical limitations versus other guys, as far as size and strength (goes), but he's still so young. When I really look at him from a tennis player execution standpoint, he's one of the few guys I say to myself, (I don't know) how would I help him get better -- he does everything.”

So, Alexander Zverev isn’t the only one who sees big things surrounding the American youngster. And if his current trajectory is anything to go by, his bold ambition to “be great” may soon turn into reality on the sport’s biggest stages. What do you say about this?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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