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TENNIS: American Tien defeats Belgian Blockx to win Next Gen ATP Finals title

American top seed Learner Tien captured the Next Gen ATP Finals title in Jeddah with a straight-sets victory over Belgium’s Alexander Blockx, showcasing composure and power in the fast-paced format. The win caps a breakthrough season for the 20-year-old, highlighted by his first tour trophy and multiple wins over top-10 opponents.

JEDDAH – American learner Tien overpowered Belgian opponent Alexander Blockx 4-3(4), 4-2, 4-1 to win the Next Gen ATP Finals on Sunday, the year-ending exhibition tournament featuring the eight highest-ranked players on the tour aged 20 and under.


The tournament uses a modified format in which a player needs to win four games to clinch a set, and a single point at deuce is enough to take the game.


Tien, who won his first tour-level title at the Moselle Open last month, held his nerve and committed only 12 unforced errors, while Blockx made 23, as the American wrapped up the match in just under an hour.


“I’m really happy. I knew it was going to be a tough match. I don’t think (Blockx) missed a serve for the first set and a half. He’s been playing great in these conditions all week,” said Tien, who lost last year’s final to Joao Fonseca.


Blockx, who fired seven aces compared to his opponent’s one, made his intentions clear early on, attacking the left-handed Tien’s backhand with pace and frequently charging the net to apply pressure.


Ranked 28th in the world, Tien pushed Blockx back with a well-placed lob before finishing the point with a drive volley. Although Blockx, ranked 116th, saved a break point and forced the opening set into a tiebreaker, top seed Tien outplayed his fellow 20-year-old.


Tien claimed the second set with a decisive break, using his powerful forehand to push Blockx deep until the under-pressure Belgian second seed sent a shot long.


The American, who has recorded five wins over top-10 players this year — including a straight-sets victory over world number two Alexander Zverev in February — earned another break in the third set to go up 3-1, leaving Blockx with little chance of a comeback.


“What a year you’ve had,” Blockx told Tien during the trophy presentation. “There are not many days I feel helpless on court, but today was one of them. You’re just too good.” -Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru. editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters

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