Learner Tien upset Jakub Mensik 4-3 (8-6) 4-3 (7-3) 2-4 2-4 4-3 (10-8) in a thrilling five-set match to move to 1-0 in Blue Group at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah
Tien won the first two tie-breaks before Mensik fought back to win the third and fourth sets. Tien saved a match point to win the tie-break of the fifth set.
Tien saved three break points in the second game of the first set. Both players went on serve en route to the tie-break. Tien earned the first mini-break to take a 3-2. Mensik won two consecutive points for 4-3 but Tien pulled back on serve to draw level to 4-4. Tien earned his third mini-break to win the tie-break 8-6.
Both players held on their next service games to set up a second tie-break. Tien won four consecutive points to take a 6-2 lead. Mensik pulled one mini-break back for 3-6 but Tien earned his fourth mini-break to close out the second tie-break 7-3. Mensik earned his first break in the sixth game to win the third set 4-2.
Tien broke serve at 15 in the third game of the third set to take a 2-1 lead. Mensik broke straight back in the fourth game to draw level to 2-2. The Czech player earned his second break in the sixth game to seal the fourth set 4-2.
Tien saved a break point in the second game of the fifth set which went on serve en route to the tie-break. Mensik earned an early mini-break to open upa 5-3 lead, but Tien pulled back on serve to draw level to 5-5. The US player saved a match point before sealing the win with a second mini-break to win the tie-break 10-8.
Mensik served 20 aces to achieve the best serving performance in tournament history. “It was tough playing a guy that serves so well. It puts a lot of pressure on your serve. When you get your chance, you have to capitalise, but you don’t know when you are going to get more. I feel great. I was up two sets to love and found myself break down in the fifth set. I thought he played really well in the third and fourth sets. I felt like I did not just give it to him. So I fought in the fifth set. I am just happy to get through it”, said Tien.
