Lorenzo Sonego beats Learner Tien to reach the quarter final of a Grand Slam for the first time in Melbourne - UBITENNIS

Lorenzo Sonego beats Learner Tien to reach the quarter final of a Grand Slam for the first time in Melbourne

By sampaolo
3 Min Read

Unseeded Italian player Lorenzo Sonego beat 19-year-old US qualifier and world number 121 Learner Tien 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-1 on John Cain Arena at the Australian Open in Melbourne to reach the quarter finals at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career. 

Sonego won his second consecutive win over a Next Gen player following his win over 18-year-old Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca. Tien beat last year’s Australian Open finalist Danil Medvedev in a five-set marathon match last Thursday. 

Sonego earned an early break at love in the second game after Tien made a double fault. Sonego held on his next service games until the ninth game, when he faced two break points. Sonego closed out the first set 6-3 on his fifth set point after Tien made a forehand error. 

Sonego  broke serve at 15 in the third game of the second set to take a 2-1 lead after Tien made three double faults. Sonego held on his next two service games to open up a 4-2 lead. Sonego converted his first break point at deuce in the seventh game for 5-2 and served out the set 6-2 with a hold at 15 in the eighth game. 

Tien broke serve in the second game and held at love to open up a 3-0 lead. The Next Gen Finals runner-up saved three break in the fifth game to hold serve at deuce. Tien held on his next two service games to win the third set 6-3. 

Sonego earned a break in the second game with a forehand winner. Tien saved two break points in the fourth game. Sonego sealed the win with a double break in the sixth game and served out the win on his first match point. Sonego set up a quarter final against Ben Shelton. 

“It’s just unbelievable. I am crazy emotional. Today it was so tough. I am so sad that Tien had a physical problem. It’s not the right way, but I am so happy to reach the quarter finals. The atmosphere was amazing It was really special to play here. I want to do my best and I played well this week. I want to enjoy every moment”, said Sonego

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