Learner Tien, a 19-year-old American tennis player, secured a spot in the ATP 500 Beijing final after defeating Daniil Medvedev by walkover in the semifinals on Tuesday, September 30, at the Olympic Tennis Center in China. World No. 2 Jannik Sinner advanced by overcoming Alex de Minaur in a three-set semifinal, reinforcing his status as the title favorite. The final, set for Wednesday, October 1, pits Tien, chasing his first ATP title, against Sinner, who seeks his third trophy of 2025.
Tien’s journey in Beijing has been remarkable, with wins over top players like Francisco Cerúndolo and Flavio Cobolli. His ascent highlights the rise of a new American talent.
Sinner, dominant on hard courts, brings a wealth of experience with two Grand Slam titles this year. The matchup promises a clash of youth and proven skill.
Tien’s semifinal win came after leading Medvedev 4-0 in the third set when the Russian retired.
Sinner’s 11-0 record against de Minaur underscores his consistency in high-stakes matches.
Tien’s breakthrough in Beijing
Tien opened the tournament with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over Cerúndolo, showcasing resilience in a tight match.
His straight-sets victory over Cobolli, 7-5, 6-2, displayed precision and control, with only 12 unforced errors.
Sinner’s path to the final
Sinner dispatched Fabian Marozsan 6-1, 7-5 in the quarterfinals, saving key breakpoints in the second set.
Against de Minaur, he secured a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win, leveraging his powerful forehand to generate 38 winners.
In Beijing, Sinner has dropped just one set, reinforcing his dominance on hard courts.
He aims to join Novak Djokovic as the only players to win the Beijing ATP 500 three times consecutively.
Rivalry with Brazil’s Fonseca
Tien and João Fonseca, Brazil’s No. 1, have a history dating back to their junior days.
Fonseca defeated Tien twice at the 2024 NextGen Finals, including a 4-2, 3-4(8), 4-0, 4-2 final.
In March 2025, Fonseca won 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4 at the Miami Masters 1000.
Tien also fell to Fonseca in the 2023 US Open junior final, marking a 4-0 head-to-head deficit.
This rivalry has shaped Tien’s growth, pushing him to refine his defensive game.
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Tactical keys for the final
Sinner’s 85% first-serve point win rate in Beijing gives him an edge in dictating rallies.
Tien’s baseline consistency, with five top-10 wins in 2025, could challenge Sinner if he sustains long exchanges.
The fast Beijing courts favor Sinner’s aggressive style, but Tien’s versatility may force errors.
Prize money and ranking points
The champion earns $751,000 and 500 ATP points, potentially pushing Tien into the top 30.
The runner-up takes $404,000 and 330 points, impacting the race to the ATP Finals in Turin.
Semifinalists Medvedev and de Minaur pocketed $215,000 and 200 points each.
Quarterfinalists received $110,000 and 100 points.
Rise of American tennis talent
Tien, ranked 52nd, climbed from outside the top 100 in 2025 through strong Challenger and ATP performances.
His balanced game, honed at the IMG Academy, emphasizes endurance for grueling tournaments.
A win could secure Tien a seeding at 2026 Grand Slams, boosting his career trajectory.
