Top seed Learner Tien seeks redemption against Alexander Blockx in the Next Gen ATP Finals championship showdown on Sunday night.
Learner Tien recalls a heartbreaking loss to Blockx in the 2023 Australian Open junior final that still motivates him today.
Last year, Tien finished runner-up after Joao Fonseca dominated, therefore motivating him to avoid repetition this time in Jeddah Sunday.
Earlier this season, Tien impressed at the Australian Open, beating Medvedev and reaching his first Slam round of sixteen there.
In the semifinals, Tien played confidently, defeating Nihesh Basavareddy 4-2, 4-1, 4-3 to reach final with sharp movement and focus.
Meanwhile, Blockx stayed unbeaten, overcoming Nicolai Budkov Kjær 4-3, 4-3, 4-2 with powerful serving and calm execution throughout the week.
Importantly, Blockx fired 43 aces this week, while both finalists recently achieved career-high ATP rankings showing rapid progress on tour.
Statistically, Tien enters the final with 59 percent win probability, however Blockx’s confidence makes margins thin under intense title pressure.
Ultimately, Sunday decides everything, as the Next Gen ATP Finals promise beginnings, yet crown a champion in Jeddah this year.
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