Learner Tien delivered one of the most compelling performances of Australian Open Day 2, defeating fellow American Marcos Giron in a demanding five-set battle that highlighted his growing mental strength on the Grand Slam stage.
Still only 20 years old after celebrating his birthday in December, Tien once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the brightest prospects in American tennis. His victory came after recovering from a 2–1 deficit in sets, showing composure and resilience against a more experienced opponent.
Early pressure and momentum shifts
Giron’s experience initially appeared to give him control of the contest, as he capitalized on key moments to move ahead in the match. The third set proved decisive in shifting momentum, forcing Tien to respond under pressure rather than dictate play.
Despite facing adversity, the younger American remained composed, refusing to allow frustration to dictate his shot selection or tempo.
Fourth-set turning point
The crucial moment arrived in the fourth set. With the score level at 3–3, Giron secured a break in the seventh game, putting himself in position to close out the match in four sets. Holding serve would have been enough to seal the victory, but Tien responded immediately, breaking back and shifting the momentum at a critical stage.
The set was ultimately decided in a tiebreak, where Tien’s calm decision-making and controlled aggression proved decisive, allowing him to level the match and seize psychological momentum.
Confidence takes over in the fifth
Once the contest moved into a fifth set, the shift in confidence was clear. Tien played with freedom and authority, dictating rallies and pushing Giron onto the defensive. The final set unfolded quickly, with Tien racing to a 6–2 win and closing out the match in emphatic fashion.
A promising sign for the future
Tien’s performance in Melbourne continues a strong run of form following his triumph at the Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah in December 2025. Winning a five-set match against an experienced opponent at such a young age highlights not only physical readiness but also a level of mental stability that bodes well for his future at the highest level.
As the tournament progresses, this victory may prove to be an important milestone in Tien’s development, signaling his ability to handle pressure and navigate the demanding nature of Grand Slam tennis.
By Hameltion – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151835908
Marcos Giron
By Hameltion - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=135535701
This match added to the growing number of demanding encounters during theopening rounds of the Australian Open.