Vietnamese-Born Tennis Player Exits Australian Open in Quarterfinals
Alexander Zverev advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open on January 27, marking his third consecutive appearance at this stage. This victory concluded an impressive Grand Slam run for Learner Tien. Zverev, who previously reached the Grand Slam final in Melbourne last year, won the match against Tien with scores of 6:3, 6:7 (5), 6:1, 7:6 (3).
Match Highlights
Zverev faced intense competition, battling through four tightly contested sets. The match took place in the enclosed Rod Laver Arena due to extreme heat, where Zverev showcased his powerful serve. He recorded 24 aces, defending against all three break points he faced, including one crucial set point in the fourth set at 5:6.
Statistical Overview
| Statistic | Zverev | Tien |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 24 | – |
| Break Points Saved | 3/3 | – |
| Total Points Won | 106 | 68 |
In terms of gameplay, Zverev was particularly dominant in shorter rallies, winning all four exchanges. Despite Tien’s strategic play, which involved precise shot placements and angle manipulations, Zverev regained control effectively. Tien had a notable moment when he won four consecutive points in the second-set tiebreak after trailing 3:5.
Future Prospects for Zverev
With his victory, Zverev secured the first semifinal spot for the Australian Open 2026. After a disappointing 2025 season where he only claimed one title in Munich, Zverev has bounced back impressively. This year, he has defeated two opponents, Francis Cerundolo and Learner Tien, both of whom had previously bested him last season.
He is now set to face either Carlos Alcaraz, the world number one, or Australian hopeful Alex de Minaur. This marks Zverev’s tenth Grand Slam semifinal appearance and his first since last year’s Australian Open.
