Key Takeaways
- Learner Tien rallied from two sets down to defeat Jakub Mensik 6-3, 1-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 in a late-night battle on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
- Play was halted in the fourth set after fans chanted “Kick them out,” leading security to eject one heckling spectator while another left voluntarily.
- Tien credited the crowd for his comeback, admitting, “I think if this stadium was empty, I’m really not sure if I’d win this match tonight.”
Late drama on Louis Armstrong Stadium
The late-night spectators inside Louis Armstrong Stadium took matters into their own hands in the early hours of Sunday morning, helping prompt the removal of a pair of hecklers during a tense battle. Fans in the stands repeatedly chanted “Kick them out,” as the disruptive individuals directed continuous taunts at Jakub Mensik, causing play to be halted during the fourth set before the situation was resolved.
Tournament security escorted one spectator wearing a blue shirt out of the arena, who raised his arms in celebration as he was guided away, while an associate dressed in a green shirt exited under his own power. Despite the crowd backing him against the hecklers, Mensik was unable to preserve his momentum. The Czech player relinquished a two-set advantage against American Learner Tien, who battled back to claim an exhausting 6-3, 1-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 triumph.
Learner Tien rallies into the fourth round
Addressing the remaining supporters once the five-set duel finally concluded, the 20-year-old American expressed his deep appreciation for their endurance throughout the marathon match.
“I want to thank everyone for staying this late,” Tien explained on the court. “I think if this stadium was empty, I’m really not sure if I’d win this match tonight. I’m very, very grateful for everyone who stayed tonight. Thank you.”
Spectator disruption has remained a talking point throughout this edition of the US Open. Multiple incidents have occurred over the fortnight, including criticism aimed at influencers recording social media material mid-point and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka being bothered by the smell of cannabis during one of her matches.
Historic milestone for the rising American
By surviving the late-night encounter, the Irvine, California native became the youngest American man to reach the fourth round at the US Open since Andy Roddick did so in 2002. Tien will next take on Russia’s Karen Khachanov for a spot in the final eight.
Should he prevail, Tien would equal his career-best Grand Slam performance after reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open earlier in the season, where he became the youngest man to achieve that feat since 2015. It marks the continuation of an impressive campaign for Tien, who secured his second career ATP title in Geneva back in May and has climbed as high as 12th in the world rankings. With numerous favorites falling early in an upset-heavy draw, he is positioned favorably, with no player seeded higher than him remaining in his section until a potential semifinal against top-seeded Alexander Zverev.
Jakub Mensik had enough of the heckler.
Felt like it was normal fan bantering, but tennis players that didn’t play college ball don’t know how to handle a little chirping. Actually made for an entertaining side show.
— notyourcountryclub (@showfortennis) September 6, 2026
ATP U.S. Open - Learner Tien's projected path
Tien at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently the world no.15, Learner owns a 29-15 win-loss record in 2026. Learner is playing at the U.S. Open where he overcame the world no.41 Nuno Borges 6-4 6-1 6-2, the world no.311 Gael Monfils 6-3 6-4 6-3 and the world no.18 Jakub Mensik 6-3 1-6 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4.
Learner Tien will fight against the world no.50 Karen Khachanov in the 4th round. In the past, they have never played each other so far in top events.
Tien conquered 1 title in 2026 in Geneva.
Jakub Mensik in 2026
Currently the world no.18, the Czech played his last match on the 5th of September when he was overcome by world no.15 Learner Tien 6-3 1-6 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 in the 3rd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This season Jakub owns a composed 32-16 win-loss record. The Czech clinched 1 title in Auckland.
Learner Tien and Jakub Mensik faced off just 2 times. Their current record is 2-0 for Tien.
