Learner Tien staged a remarkable comeback at the Delray Beach Open, overcoming defending champion Miomir Kecmanovic to advance to the quarterfinals. The 20-year-old American was on the brink of defeat at 5-4 in the deciding set when he rallied to secure a thrilling 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(5) victory.
“I just kept believing,” Tien reflected during his on-court interview. “I got broken in a tough game at four-all, but I tried to put that behind me. I made him work for every point.” His determination and defensive capabilities were evident as he faced intense pressure from Kecmanovic, who unleashed powerful shots from the baseline, yet Tien stood firm like a wall.
Admitting that luck played a role in his victory, Tien emphasized that fighting back and making Kecmanovic close him out was key to his success. This win sets up a challenging quarterfinal match against fellow American Frances Tiafoe, the eighth seed and a former Delray Beach champion from 2018. Tiafoe advanced after a tough battle against American qualifier Zachary Svajda, winning 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.
Commenting on their upcoming match, Tiafoe noted, “I played him in the first round of the US Open a few years ago. Obviously, he’s a totally different player now, so I’m excited to face him. It’s funny how things turn; now I’m the underdog in that match.”
The spirit of competition is palpable as Tiafoe expressed gratitude for being able to compete and looking forward to facing another tough opponent. In the other matches, top seed Taylor Fritz, a two-time Delray Beach champion, survived a closely contested match against Spaniard Rafael Jorda, winning 7-6(4), 6-4, which included 15 aces and saved two of three break points.
As Fritz prepares to face his close friend and fellow American Tommy Paul, who advanced by defeating Adam Walton 7-6(11), 6-3, the tournament unfolds with exciting storylines and matchups. The Delray Beach Open continues to showcase the resilience and talent of the players, with Tien’s unexpected triumph serving as an inspiring reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports.