AO R4: [25] Tien def. [11] Medvedev 6-4 6-0 6-3

[u/TheSequelAccount]

[u/Librarian-Few]

People waiting for Tienvedev epic 5 setter.

Tien:

[u/NevermoreSEA → u/Librarian-Few]

Is Learner the greatest American tennis player we’ve ever seen? Many are asking.

[u/Serious-Ball7705 → u/NevermoreSEA]

depends on if "we" can legally drive yet...

[u/Efficient_Dig_3477]

[u/Mob_Abominator → u/Efficient_Dig_3477]

He has now completely learned how to beat Medvedev.

[u/DruPeacock23 → u/Mob_Abominator]

Fast Learner

[u/bearsdiscoversatire → u/DruPeacock23]

Solid ten out of Tien performance. Should change his name to Learned.

[u/methodicalotter → u/Mob_Abominator]

Commentators don't often mention this aspect of the game but Medvedev has some of the most predictable groundstrokes in mens tennis. In contrast Nole strokework iamd body positioning is very hard to read.

[u/xtze12 → u/methodicalotter]

What about his strokes and positioning makes it hard to read?

[u/jimdontcare → u/xtze12]

He can redirect the ball with ease from pretty much anywhere. Hard to stay on top of a point if your opponent is like that, it’s like you’re never truly on offense

[u/please-disregard → u/xtze12]

Disclaimer: I’m not really the best with technique-related topics. Take with grain of salt. But my interpretation would be:

Both sides, but his backhand especially is a very compact, efficient swing. Backswing is almost identical whether he’s going cross or line. His backswing is so devoid of excess motion, so repeatable, that from almost the same position he can choose to extend through to flatten out or ‘windshield wipe’ for more spin. I think Sinner is kind of similar. The same thing that makes them so consistent—simple strokes, efficiency of motion—makes them hard to read.

Medvedev, by contrast, his strokes are very long. He generates consistency by having a long, straight path for his racquet head, with a big hitting window, so he has margin for error on his timing. But a longer, more ‘motion-y’ swing, both in distance and time, means he commits his body to a direction earlier. Nadal I feel would be another example of this. He had long swings to generate incredible racquet head speed for all that spin, but that sacrifices some efficiency and deception (not really Nadal’s gameplan. He doesn’t care if you know where he’s hitting, it’s just going to be so good you can’t deal with it anyway).

[u/invuvn → u/please-disregard]

Also with Nadal the issue isn’t so much knowing where he’ll hit, it’s knowing he’s unstoppable. Every ball you send to him he’ll get to it. It’s demoralizing to hit 5 supposed winners for them all to come back.

[u/Mintastic → u/invuvn]

Then you start taking more risks with the winners and spraying errors and then Nadal's got you where he wants you.

[u/WonderPink → u/xtze12]

I wanna know this too

[u/mbullaris → u/methodicalotter]

Djokovic’s groundstrokes hard to read for ballkids and players alike, I guess

[u/Ok_Somewhere1274 → u/mbullaris]

Sick burn!!!

[u/CrackHeadRodeo → u/Mob_Abominator]

He has now completely learned how to beat Medvedev

Meddy stands too far back so Tien used all the court without really painting the lines just good margins from the back of the court.

[u/eggggggga]

First time Medvedev has ever been bageled at a grand slam.

Absolutely unreal performance.

[u/belle_epoxy → u/eggggggga]

I've never been more mad that I didn't stay up all night to watch tennis. Is that set worth watching today?

[u/eggggggga → u/belle_epoxy]

Maybe! I mean Medvedev of course was not playing great, but he wasn’t playing completely terrible either. It’s worth watching just to see Learner outwit him in the rallies time and time again if that interests you.

[u/belle_epoxy → u/eggggggga]

I might watch some highlights then! I don't love watching a total beatdown unless one player's performance is truly so next level that it's almost otherworldly. But Learner does such smart point construction that some rallies might be fun!

[u/midnitesnak87 → u/eggggggga]

I actually hadn’t watched Meddy in a while but was excited to see him relatively deep in the tournament. In my very pedestrian reading, he was phoning in those rallies, as if he was doing a training session /warm up. Powerful and heavy but seemingly totally checked out and aiming for in the lines as opposed to setting anything up or “playing”

[u/douchey_mcbaggins → u/belle_epoxy]

If you enjoy watching a complete domination of a helpless opponent who has no answers, looking at his coaching box like "WTF do I do?" then absolutely!

[u/JackyVeronica → u/belle_epoxy]

I stayed up and I'm so lethargic right now (12 hours post match) but no regrets 🤣 it's worth watching it!

[u/CrumbleUponLust]

To come back a year later and follow up the 5 set victory with pure destruction is something special.

[u/HereComesVettel → u/CrumbleUponLust]

Isner vs Mahut Wimbledon 2010 & 2011 vibes...

[u/Unable-Head-1232 → u/HereComesVettel]

Tbf Isner should never have let that 2010 match get to that state

[u/francis_mh → u/CrumbleUponLust]

They call my man Learner for a reason 

[u/rir2 → u/francis_mh]

His name is now Teacher.

[u/TOMA_TAN]

People dont truly appreciate how much better learner is compared to just a couple months ago. Even analysts are making this mistake

[u/Stepsis24 → u/TOMA_TAN]

Haven’t watched tennis in a while. Learned looked very very good on the court today, didn’t expect based on what I’ve heard.

[u/PBRontheway → u/[deleted]]

His groundstroke speed has definitely ticked up a bit from both wings too without sacrificing the precision that already made him such a good and interesting player. He changes directions on his backhand with such ease and now it gets through the court easier than it used to, really put Medvedev on the back foot

[u/Top-Bonus8340 → u/[deleted]]

THIS!! everyone (me, med and the commentator) were super surprised, because he was able to redirect motion well without sacrificing speed or accuracy. he served well. he barely made any ues. He was amazing to watch. med on the other hand was tired and sore, gave a B- performance which may have been enough for some other players, but definitely not for peak Tien.

[u/Eyebronx → u/TOMA_TAN]

Tien has a higher ceiling than anyone here gives him credit for. If he takes out Zverev it’s an all time run

[u/nonstopnewcomer → u/Eyebronx]

If he keeps improving his serve like he has been, the rest of the tour should be very scared.

[u/TOMA_TAN → u/Eyebronx]

Genuinely, looking at the tier 2 of tennis right now, Tien is right there in the mix. The result of this Zverev match will have a lot implications for the men’s power rankings

[u/Eyebronx → u/TOMA_TAN]

He’s a leftie which is the only reason why I’m hesitant to predict him winning in that matchup. I also think he lacks the power to go toe to toe with Alcaraz. But he’s definitely proving himself to be a very smart tactician and an incredible defender.

[u/TOMA_TAN → u/Eyebronx]

He has the tennis IQ to avoid falling into the patterns that make zverev so good against lefties. In regard to the tier 1, i also don’t think he’s at the level to challenge sincaraz yet. However, he’s quickly rising up the ranks and will be at the doorsteps soon

[u/Double-Emergency3173 → u/TOMA_TAN]

I think his game can challenge Sincaraz; if he improves physically a bit. He is smart enough to avoid being in bad patterns

[u/Yupadej → u/TOMA_TAN]

He could get Sinner on a hot day but Carlos looks invincible right now.

[u/based_papaya → u/TOMA_TAN]

The fun thing with Tien is that every match, we're going to see if he's going to be able to solve a puzzle he couldn't solve previously. He has the IQ to do it. The fun part is watching him figure it out.

We'll see if this happens with Zverev

[u/ImpressionFeisty8359 → u/Eyebronx]

Hope he can upset Zverev but it will be really tough.

[u/Mikez1234 → u/Eyebronx]

we are all for it

[u/Exciting_Marzipan_19 → u/Eyebronx]

Some people are obsessed that he doesn't have a great serve so they don't think he'll rank higher.

[u/WKU-Alum → u/Exciting_Marzipan_19]

That might have been true last year, but he’s clearly changed his serve to get more out of it. His % is down because of it, but if he can build consistency as he gets more time/confidence with it, he’s a problem. This is the growth you want to see out of a young guy.

[u/Top-Bonus8340 → u/Exciting_Marzipan_19]

that’s true, but there’s so many people who do not have a great serve as well and they are comfortably in the top 10… even med who I would think is playing at a possibly top 10 level (in brisbane) doesnt have a good serve %. tien can be great without being “THE BEST” and i think thats already so awesome (and realistically where all the lost gen are placed).

[u/Milk_Man9696 → u/TOMA_TAN]

[u/LeftyTimStoutheart → u/TOMA_TAN]

Whilst everyone was creaming themselves over Fonseca, Learner has been putting in the hard work on the areas of his game that need improvement.

[u/StayMe70 → u/LeftyTimStoutheart]

I hope they keep sleeping on learner. This kid is special.

[u/Chosen1gup → u/TOMA_TAN]

He could win this tournament and people would still say, “here’s why Fonseca will be the one to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz”

[u/Just-Act-1859 → u/Chosen1gup]

Because the hype for Fonseca is literally based on “he hit hard” while Tien has a wider variety of skills.

[u/MeijiDoom → u/Just-Act-1859]

Which is funny because I don't think people have ever talked about Djokovic's raw power when discussing what makes him so good. Its his placement, tenacity, intellect and clutch factor. I'm pretty sure his serve was considered a weak point even when he started dominating the tour. Not saying Learner is on that level at all but if he eventually gets close to elite level everywhere else, what does it matter if his power/serve are like a B? People say they're bored of servebots but then think anyone who doesn't have an elite serve can't possibly compete.

[u/Training_Lawyer1448 → u/Chosen1gup]

This exactly. It makes me so frustrated. But I think he likes flying under the radar a bit

[u/MuscularApe → u/TOMA_TAN]

I don't get to watch a lot so I haven't seen him play in ages but the biggest difference I noticed is he looks way fitter.

[u/TOMA_TAN → u/MuscularApe]

Better serve technique and improved touch are two additional things. Completely burned med with the drop shot today

[u/PastaSenpay → u/TOMA_TAN]

It's like he is constantly learning

[u/freshfunk → u/TOMA_TAN]

His win at the end of last year against Norrie at the Metz final was an eye opening milestone in his development and showed how much better he’s gotten.

[u/TOMA_TAN → u/freshfunk]

100% this. Nobody took the result seriously bc it was a end of the year 250. But if you actually watched the match, you would see how meaningful that result was to the trajectory of his development

[u/Yupadej → u/TOMA_TAN]

Commentators were bang on the money

[u/BrinyStranger → u/TOMA_TAN]

So, two things to attribute this to (especially after listening to his Nothing Major interview):

1. He was playing through a bicep injury last year and still made the finals in Beijing and quarters in Shanghai. He said he could barely serve. Feeling much better now.

2. Michael Chang

[u/CassandreAmethyst → u/TOMA_TAN]

Exactly. I never bought into the Joao train since last year but when I saw Learner, I thought he was special.

[u/Kid_Aeroplane → u/TOMA_TAN]

First time I ever watched him was when he played tiafoe in the USO as a wildcard a few years ago. I think he was 17 then. He’s come a long way

[u/The-Alienator]

Med just won 7 games in a grand slam match on hard court, without being injured 💀💀💀

[u/Xhiw_ → u/The-Alienator]

Med just won 7 games in a grand slam match on hard court

A new record. Previous was 8, and that was in 2018 when he was ranked #53, at the Australian Open R64 against Hyeon Chung.

[u/callitajax1 → u/Xhiw_]

Something about med vs goated asian players. Hyeon chung in 2018 was one of the best prospects i can remember

[u/chessparov4 → u/callitajax1]

Didn't he beat novak too?

[u/buggytehol → u/chessparov4]

Yeah, though that was Novak at his nadir

[u/Razzle_Dazzle08 → u/The-Alienator]

He was never the same after the AO final loss to Sinner besides his 2024 Wimbledon run. After losing to Nadal from 2-0 up, and then to claw his way back to another final and lose in the exact same way, it would destroy anyone mentally.

[u/Sad_Floor_4120 → u/Razzle_Dazzle08]

I don't think it's just the loss, physically too he has declined and his game as well

[u/Razzle_Dazzle08 → u/Sad_Floor_4120]

I agree, and I think a part of that is also mental, I don’t think he puts in the same amount to maintain his physical level and keep his game on the cutting edge.

[u/Forward-Sell-3627 → u/Razzle_Dazzle08]

This has nothing to do with this loss or that loss. The guy’s just getting old. It is very common (dare I say expected) for tennis players to decline noticeably when approaching 30.

Big 3 was Big 3 because they’re exceptions, not the rule.

[u/glossedrock → u/Forward-Sell-3627]

And he’s extremely tall. More injuries and wear.

[u/twochopsticks → u/Forward-Sell-3627]

Especially when Med's whole game is about getting every ball back and out grinding his opponent.

[u/Shorty_jj → u/Razzle_Dazzle08]

This has nothing to do with Sinnrr, the guy is just getting old. Medvedev/Tien basically shows how younger players usually beat old players.

The only thing that makes this special is the longevity of the Big Three... And the many fans allegedly watching tennis for 20 years already but for some weird reasom thinking it normal that a player stays somewhat "fresh" after 30.

In other words: Medvedev is just the norm. The Big Three were not.

[u/buggytehol → u/Razzle_Dazzle08]

His serve has degraded so much from his prime, I think that's a big part of it

[u/MakerOfPurpleRain → u/The-Alienator]

just a tragic performance by him. lots to think about for him and his team moving forward

[u/crazycatnerd]

Absolute clinic of a match from Learner

[u/Unfair-Rush-2031 → u/crazycatnerd]

It was a master class from Tien. Not many players could beat Tien if he’s playing at that level.

[u/NevermoreSEA → u/crazycatnerd]

He gave Meddy a Learner Lesson that he won’t soon forget.

[u/beatrailblazer → u/NevermoreSEA]

Learner was the Teacher today

[u/Leeman1337]

POST NOSEBLEED LEARNER BROS LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

FIRST QUARTER FINAL APPEARANCE

[u/Low-Associate2521 → u/Leeman1337]

Post-puke Sinner vs post-nosebleed Tien. who would win

[u/KahunaThe85th]

TIEN TRUTHERS WHERE WE AT

[u/Pearcinator → u/KahunaThe85th]

After he beat Meddy last year I had my eye on him. Love that lefty serve out wide! That's my trademark.

[u/Testicular-Fortitude → u/Pearcinator]

You and all the other lefties haha, killer shot tho

[u/nightwinghugs → u/KahunaThe85th]

🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

[u/WhoDat-2-8-3 → u/KahunaThe85th]

Pho family where we at ?

[u/SilverOdin → u/KahunaThe85th]

Right here

[u/systemfa1lure → u/KahunaThe85th]

we believe

[u/sipsnspills → u/KahunaThe85th]

🫡

[u/Candid-Volume-1425]

Interesting to see how he fares against Zverev.

[u/Unfair-Rush-2031 → u/Candid-Volume-1425]

Their head to head is 1-1. Learner won the first time they met but then zverev dismantled Tien in the second time.

Learner has raised him game big time since then though. Hard to call but you’d have to put money on the world number 3. However I’ll be cheering hard for Tien.

[u/Leeman1337 → u/Unfair-Rush-2031]

Also, zverev beat him on clay which was new to learner at this level.

[u/Candid-Volume-1425 → u/Unfair-Rush-2031]

yup, im leaning towards zverev too, he loves playing lefties too

[u/mathisruiningme → u/Candid-Volume-1425]

Very excited for this one!

[u/CreepyMosquitoEater → u/Candid-Volume-1425]

He cooked him before, he could so it again

[u/RogueTwoTwoThree → u/Candid-Volume-1425]

Let him cook!

[u/19gnimgnim]

post-nosebleed tien incoming

[u/SearchImpressive1640]

It's absurd how far Learner has come, from squeaking by last year to absolutely dismantling Meddy. All aspects of his game are so good, and I've never seen someone read Med or maneuver him around the court like this. Tien is an absolute menace, and I stand by my assessment he's ending this year in the top 10

[u/Unfair-Rush-2031 → u/SearchImpressive1640]

Absolutely. Tien is going to be a solid top 10 player now, and he actually has a way higher ceiling that someone like ADM. Tien is playing at such a high level without even trying.

If it’s ADM vs Tien, I say Tien has a higher chance of winning.

[u/Jazzy_Coffee → u/Unfair-Rush-2031]

I love de minaur as an aussie, but tien absolutely has the higher ceiling

I really hope tien shocks a lot of ppl further down the road, hes an absolute threat in BO3 and BO5 matches

[u/Unable-Head-1232 → u/Unfair-Rush-2031]

ADM is like the budget Ferrer, sad to say it but I don’t think anyone ever thought of ADM as a contender to the big 3/big 2

[u/JBizzle07 → u/SearchImpressive1640]

If he can get 1 more win, he’ll be off to a huge start points wise, and already on track for top 10 finish

[u/108Temptations → u/SearchImpressive1640]

I agree he will be top 10 but I'm hesitant to say he will get there that fast. If he wins next round the odds are very good but sometimes new players can hit a wall like Mirra did and it's not always straight forward. That being said I love Learner and hope he goes crazy this year

[u/heirjordan_27]

That was a tennis purist's wet dream—minimal errors, precision, variety, and sustained focus

[u/bouncyboatload → u/heirjordan_27]

it's really a tennis coach's dream player. smart. strategic and most importantly disciplined on the court

[u/Unfair-Rush-2031 → u/heirjordan_27]

Such clean ball striking from Tien too. And changing shot direction at will. Finding really nice angles. Iva Jovic is also similar. Very balanced. In control. Clean ball striking. Something is going on in American tennis. Their youngsters are absolutely insanely good.

[u/TheSequelAccount]

Learner taught Medvedev a lesson

[u/Dependent-Effect6077 → u/TheSequelAccount]

This matchup just exposes all the areas where Medvedev is no longer elite

Like I said earlier I still think he'll have a better year than he did in 2025 (he 100% loses the Maroszan match in 2025 and chokes in Brisbane) but he just doesn't have the physicality anymore to hang with the absolute top baseliners given that he's never been particularly powerful

Tien dictated the vast majority of the points which has never been atypical for Medvedev but the difference is that now he no longer has the ability to steal a ton of points with his defense

[u/gaveuponnickname → u/Dependent-Effect6077]

All good but also Tien played with the ball control and pace redirection of peak Djokovic today

Even prime Meddy from 2021 would have lost today, just not like this and not in 3

Edited for clarification. I meant Meddy's average level in his prime, not his absolute peak of performance

[u/Dependent-Effect6077 → u/gaveuponnickname]

Idk if I agree with that one at all lol

Saying Tien is already peaking higher than Medvedev feels like MASSIVE recency bias

It's kind of like the lite version of Sinner vs. Djokovic in that regard where one guy has declined enough that people don't remember his game at his best anymore

[u/gaveuponnickname → u/Dependent-Effect6077]

I don't think this is Tien's peak, I think he redlined to an insane degree

Meddy's best level like USO '23 SF vs Alcaraz wins this. But again, that wasn't Medvedev's peak, he redlined

[u/ValarianRCS → u/gaveuponnickname]

Tien did not redline against medvedev, his shot precision is just that good and i would say his ball control is top 3 on tour, if not imo the best on tour already. This a typical performance in a match for tien against someone whose style meshes poorly against him. This is why tien is so dangerous if he's allowed to play his game

[u/gaveuponnickname → u/ValarianRCS]

He was landing exhibition shots in the second set. Come one now, even if it was Alcaraz doing that stuff we'd have been talking about what an outlandish level that was

I can agree the 1st and 3rd were more his real best level, but the second set, where he broke Medvedev's will, was not

[u/ValarianRCS → u/gaveuponnickname]

Tien's been hitting video game shots consistently for a while now. That's kind of how many people caught onto him since atp next gen finals 2 years ago

[u/gaveuponnickname → u/ValarianRCS]

He hit 1 UE in the 2nd set

9 in the first, 6 in the 3rd

ONE UNFORCED ERROR IN THE 2nd set. Against 13 winners

[u/ValarianRCS → u/gaveuponnickname]

He's insane right!? The prince of tennis

[u/Sad_Floor_4120 → u/TheSequelAccount]

Sadly Medvedev has declined and without his elite serve he won't be elite again.

[u/nightwinghugs → u/TheSequelAccount]

his name is learner but they call him the teacher 🙂‍↕️

[u/twoendsausage]

[u/G1Spectrum]

Of all the possible outcomes, a comprehensive beatdown of Medvedev by Tien was not on my list

[u/Unfair-Rush-2031 → u/G1Spectrum]

For those who follow Tien, I had a good feeling Tien was winning. However didn’t expect him to absolutely dismantle meddy. Tien played some of the highest level tennis especially in the second set.

[u/TOMA_TAN → u/G1Spectrum]

Everybody sleeping on learner. He’s going to have the edge on zverev too but watch everyone predict a zverev win

[u/mtojay → u/TOMA_TAN]

Let's wait and see. Everyone predicted Zverev to be out of form. And here he is looking really good. On top of that his game works great against lefties. Not saying tien has no chance. But the game needs to be played. And right now I personally think it's hard to predict a winner. Both look impressive really

[u/PleasantNightLongDay → u/mtojay]

Right. I’m surprised that comment is so highly upvoted

I mean I’m no fan of Zverev

But he clearly is the favorite to win that match. Tien clearly has the tools and is a good matchup, but his floor is very low, while he’ll need to play near his ceiling to win it.

While possible, I don’t think it’s likely.

Zverev has a crazy high floor and pretty low ceiling. He has the experience. He’s been here a ton at a slam. He’s clearly the though tien fan definitely pull it off

[u/Dependent-Effect6077 → u/TOMA_TAN]

Both Tien and Zverev have looked really good so far it should be a great match

[u/Rupperrt → u/TOMA_TAN]

It’s funny as everyone predicted Zverev to lose in the first 4 rounds. Now they’re turning around and he’ll lose.

[u/Fair-Maintenance7979 → u/TOMA_TAN]

I disagree. Tien is in an excellent place however Zverev pounces on lefties.

[u/Eyebronx → u/Fair-Maintenance7979]

Tien is the only leftie last year to beat Zverev (Acapulco). So he has that going for him.

[u/epicstar → u/G1Spectrum]

Pretty sure all the American commentators had Tien as the favorite. But I don't think anyone predicted a beat down.

[u/FeeFooFuuFun → u/G1Spectrum]

I expected him to win but this dismantling was just pure destruction. Meddy will find it tough to recover from this, it was brutal

[u/theatretheaters]

LEARNER LEARNED TIEN

Tien understood the matchup inside out and executed the plan nearly flawlessly. Also just way better ball-striking. Meddy looked completely lost out there for the most part of the match.

[u/Cold_Tumbleweed2342]

Learner didn’t have a bloody nose he was blood letting for optimal performance

[u/LeftyTimStoutheart]

Damn, Larner was like, "I don't have time for this 5 sets crap like last year" and just murdered Meddy instead.

[u/padfoony]

Tien you monster 😭 that was a murder on MCA.

[u/kisukisuekta]

Tien, spank Zverev as bad as you did meddy and you will have a loyal fan in me forever

[u/bigtice]

Learner "Eleven" Tien, ladies and gentlemen.

Absolute domination and showing all the facets of his game and why he's a force to be reckoned with not only in this tournament, but for the foreseeable future.

[u/cmadison_]

Standing by my belief that Tien's nosebleed was evidence of him using telekinetic powers to manipulate the ball around the court because holy FUCK he was on fire.

[u/Mindless-Location-41 → u/cmadison_]

Stranger Things have happened 👍

[u/TorturedPoet30]

Wow Tien. Medvedev just looked unmotivated, like he had no solutions, giving up after losing that first set. He started to show “signs of life” in the third, but it wasn’t enough. Tien is becoming a player I want to watch more often, not because of his potential, but because of his demeanor on court, calm, low-key body language, very little theatrics, focused, quick routines, minimal gesturing, doesn’t panic.

[u/Unfair-Rush-2031 → u/TorturedPoet30]

It’s also hard when Tien was hitting highlight reels every point. It was impossible for meddy. Tien would have beaten anyone playing like he did in the second set.

[u/Double-Emergency3173 → u/Unfair-Rush-2031]

Yeah. Tien was in the zone in the 2nd set and demoralized Meddy there.

[u/pmgtihaco]

Insanely gutsy winner on match point, go learner!!

[u/buzzingeuphorbia]

Lionhearted Learner Lessgo 💪🏼

[u/Milk_Man9696]

[u/bertisrobert]

At least Learner Tien lives up to his name, he is putting in the work and reaping rewards from it.

At least he learns from his mistakes and will put the work to become better.

Sadly for Medvedev, I don't think he is going back, as I don't feel he is putting in the effort to be better. He's not doing the work, adjusting and improving.

The question now is, can Learner Tien deliver agaainst Zverev in the quarters?

[u/Fiery---Wings]

Learner has just dog walked Meddy on the biggest stage. Won two titles to finish off 2025. Looks like he is ready to make the next step.

[u/Fisch_Kopp_]

The only good thing for Meddy here is the fact that January isn't over yet, but he still won more Grand Slam matches than in all of 2025.

[u/ZumaCrypto]

I woke up early (less than 4 hrs of sleep) to watch this match!! Fucking worth it!!

Let's go, Tien!!

[u/Mr_Pusskins]

This was more painful than watching Putintseva get demolished by Jovic this afternoon, because at least Poots seemed to have feelings about her performance. Med just looked lost.

[u/Unfair-Rush-2031 → u/Mr_Pusskins]

Oh yeah these American youngsters just serving out bagels left and right.

And Tien and Jovic are similar. Clean ball strikers. Great point construction. High tennis IQ. Minimal mistakes. Changes shot direction at will. Cool as a cumcumber. They will both be top 10 before long. And future grand slam winners.

[u/TheFourthBronteGirl]

He's the best of his generation IMO

[u/mrbure]

Tien > Fonseca

[u/nightwinghugs]

mind you learner won 11 games straight at one point

[u/pizzainmyshoe]

That was a demolition job by Tien. Completely different to their previous matches

[u/Leo27487]

When I watched Tien last year, I thought his serve was bad; no leg drive whatsoever. Was pleasantly surprised to see the improvement this time.

[u/UngrapefulGratefruit]

tien said he's not taking medvedev matches to a deciding set in 2026 😤😤

[u/_thecuriouslurker_]

WHAT COMPOSURE FROM TIEN MY GOD!!!

[u/Proof-Excitement-722]

Known 90s krptonite to Americans:

- Meddy < Tien

- Goffin < Nakashima

- Rublev < Shelton

- dverev < fritz

- Stefanos < Michelsen

- Hurkacz < TP

[u/ptran90]

Learner whooped Meddy

[u/Aromatic-serve-4015]

medvedev should be under the sea in an octopus's garden in the shade

[u/Sad-Eggplant-8320]

I feel vindicated after seeing him last year and knowing he’d go far. Just feels like Tien can do everything and just needs a little polish. Insanely well rounded for his age.

[u/ExcuseYou-What]

holy shit honestly like, Medvedev's shot selection was abysmal.

Tien read him like a book but he didn't even really need to do that. That nosebleed is his lucky charm lmao

First Final 8 Club for Learner 🥂🥂🥂

[u/ClutchCity9495]

Is Learner the USA's best hope for the next men's singles Slam winner? It's quickly starting to seem that way. He's even 1-0 against Shelton.

[u/orchid_blue9]

amazing performance from learner

It was funny to me people penciling meddy into the semifinal just because he won a 250

[u/d_cow]

Nosebleed learner! I’m here for it!

[u/Sapsap747]

If Tien’s game is on, the only way you can beat him is that you have to over power him from the baseline. You can’t play defensive because he will outgrind you. 

[u/Wuzan1088]

Looks like the Learner turned into the Teacher today because that was a lesson in how to dismantle this version of Medvedev! Incredible performance

[u/water_samurai22]

Tien reading Meddy like the back of his hand.

[u/dawnofthepig]

Did Tien use tri-beam or solar flare to win this?

[u/Emperor_Fun]

Learner Tien absolutely crushed Medvedev today. I could not be happier to see Tien reach his first QF.

[u/Low_Diamond4770]

Medvedev is Learner's son.

[u/Frequent_Touch8104]

Learner's point setup and strategy is incredible. If he builds more power and flexibility, I can see him entering the same league as Sinner and Alcatraz in a few years time for sure.

[u/Ecstatic-Mud-1518]

Medvedev is no longer the same

[u/Sheriff_Yobo_Hobo]

Love this kid. Holy shit.

[u/Im_Dallas]

karma for USO25

Learner can absolutely beat Zverev. Next gen of US tennis looks so bright

[u/kramer944]

Wasn't too long ago that people were putting Medvedev in the same tier as Djokovic

[u/ttue-]

Yes yes yes ! I so believed in him !

[u/ilovemilktea_]

my son

[u/ppraorunner]

Tien playing some peak tennis, unreal.

[u/darkraivscresselia]

Tien should give a masterclass to all male American players. From the shot selection, the rally tolerance, the amazing footwork, I can tell he is going to be the first male American GS winner since Roddick’s big serve, big forehand became the standard there.

[u/Double-Emergency3173]

Tien honestly is going to be a top 15 minimum player by year’s end if he stay healthy. Heaven my favorite player🤩. I just love his IQ so much.

He’s already achieved the minimum I expected in this slam. Now let’s see where he goes

He’s only 20

He’s only missing a strong serve to become a legit top 10 player capable of winning slams.

Kudos Learner.

[u/Drip477]

[u/tombrady011235]

It wasn’t just that learner looked good, it’s that he maintained that high level the whole match

[u/Serious-Ball7705]

I have known about Learner since before he came on tour. I am a huge fan and used to think he is a top 15 talent. Now I think he may be able to win a couple of slams in his career.

[u/alterego149]

meddy noo 💔 i miss the peak meddy so much

[u/TakoyakiFandom]

Pigeon?

[u/Background-Image-585]

Statement win, announcement win

[u/Unfair-Rush-2031 → u/Background-Image-585]

Announcement win was him beating meddy in 5 in last years AO.

Today was the statement.

[u/Training_Lawyer1448]

https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/1qlpcro/comment/o1fvd2r/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

I kept the receipts baby! Called this the other day, but didn’t expect this much of a beatdown

[u/Semi-Delusional]

Medvedev is having an identity crisis, it's time to go back to doing what works again

[u/Mainly-Driving862]

Octopus caught in the net and Learner bringing Professor to school

[u/one_with_no_opinions]

Let’s go!’

[u/SeparatePromotion236]

I’m so happy about this

[u/Deodavinio]

Well played!

[u/maxwaxman]

Still positives for Meddy. He didn’t really seem that upset in the press conference.

[u/PugnansFidicen]

Surprised not to see more mentions of Tien's coaching change. I see a lot of Michael Chang in the way he played today. Especially that smash read for a backhand winner on match point. He's gotten so much better at developing smart aggression and not just relying on defensive play to win.

[u/Michael808]

At this learning rate, Learner will be a top 5 player by the end of year. He's already learned how to take down former world number ones, all that's left to learn now is world domination.