TENNIS: Zverev downs Tien to secure semi-final slot

MELBOURNE — Germany’s Alexander Zverev stayed on course for a return to the Australian Open final after defeating American Learner Tien 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, 7-6(3) in the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.

The powerful-serving third seed, who finished as runner-up to Jannik Sinner last year, will now face either Carlos Alcaraz or Alex de Minaur in the semifinals. This will be Zverev’s fourth semifinal appearance at the tournament.

“Tien was playing unbelievable from the baseline,” Zverev said after the match. “I don’t think I’ve played anyone who plays that well from the baseline for a very, very long time.”

Zverev recorded 24 aces and only one double fault during the match.

“I don’t know what (Tien’s coach) Michael Chang has done with him in the off-season, but the way he’s playing is incredible,” Zverev added. “Without my 20 aces, I probably wouldn’t have won today. So I’m very happy with my serve and happy to be back in the semis.”

Zverev gained the upper hand early in the first set by breaking Tien in the sixth game after the American hit a backhand just wide.

The second set was closely contested and went to a tiebreak, where Tien delivered a superb passing shot to earn set point and eventually win the tiebreak.

Zverev regained control in the third set, reducing his unforced errors and breaking Tien twice to take a 2-1 lead in sets.

The fourth set remained evenly matched, but Zverev dominated the tiebreak to secure his place in the semifinals. -Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters