Key Takeaways
- Karen Khachanov reached the US Open quarterfinals by defeating Learner Tien 7-5 4-6 6-7(6) 6-1 6-4 in a demanding fourth-round clash.
- Khachanov admitted that “it was really crazy match” and gave credit to Tien’s baseline persistence, noting “he played unreal on defense.”
- Looking ahead to his quarterfinal meeting with 21-year-old Alex Blockx, Khachanov pointed out that “slowly new generation of players are coming” and that staying mentally and physically fit is essential.
Battling past Learner Tien in New York
Karen Khachanov secured a hard-fought place in the US Open quarterfinals after overcoming American youngster Learner Tien in a grueling fourth-round contest, prevailing 7-5 4-6 6-7(6) 6-1 6-4. Facing the 20-year-old for the first time in his career, Khachanov had to dig deep across five demanding sets to overcome his opponent’s relentless defensive play.
Reflecting during his on-court interview on what made the encounter so challenging, Khachanov highlighted the exhausting rallies required to break down Tien. “I mean, look, yeah, it was really crazy match,” Khachanov explained. “We played first time against each other. I knew what to expect. I mean, every ball, like one extra ball coming back, one extra ball. I mean, so many close rallies, you know, I lost. He played unreal on defense. I mean, outside the court.”
The physical toll required continuous pressure from the baseline. Khachanov noted that “that’s why it makes extremely tough this match because you have to stay always in the match with a great intensity, you know, hitting, hitting, pushing, you know.” He added: “And at the end, super happy. Super happy that I could go through, yeah.”
Finding form after a quiet summer
The triumph marks a significant turnaround for Khachanov, who arrived at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center without a match win since Wimbledon. When asked if he could sense positive momentum building during the lead-up to New York, the experienced campaigner offered a lighthearted response before detailing his preparations.
“I was keeping a little bit energy for the US Open, you know,” Khachanov joked. When the interviewer suggested he was saving up, he was quick to clarify that it was not deliberate: “Not on purpose. Not on purpose, but I mean look, at one point, when you are not playing well or not having good results, you have to try to stay ready.”
Khachanov stressed that maintaining focus for major tournaments is paramount when form dips. “Stay ready for the next one, especially it was a Grand Slam, one of the Slams of the season,” he explained. “And I was getting more fit. I was practicing quite a lot. And look, it paid off. It’s paying off slowly, yeah.”
Ready for the next young challenger
Having held off one rising star in the 20-year-old Tien, Khachanov now prepares for another youthful clash in the quarterfinals against 21-year-old Alex Blockx. Asked if he relished the opportunity to show the next generation who is boss, Khachanov responded with humor.
“But I’m young as well. I mean, what are you talking about?” he laughed. When the interviewer pointed out that he was still very young, Khachanov playfully asked, “Yeah, maybe I should shave for what you—you want me to shave?”
Turning serious about the challenge posed by emerging talents on tour, Khachanov acknowledged that the competition is intensifying. “Slowly new generation of players are coming. They are hungry. They are improving. They are playing better and better a level of tennis,” Khachanov observed. “So at the end of the day, you have to be mentally and physically fit to show your best level. That’s it.”
Learner Tien in 2026
Ranked no.15, Learner played his last match on the 7th of September when he surrendered to world no.50 Karen Khachanov 7-5 4-6 6-7(6) 6-1 6-4 in the 4th round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This season Learner has an overall 29-17 record. Learner has won 1 title in Geneva.
ATP U.S. Open - Karen Khachanov's projected path
Khachanov at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked world no.50, Karen has managed to achieve a 21-18 win-loss record in 2026. Karen is currently competing at the U.S. Open where he overcame the world no.59 Roman Andres Burruchaga 6-3 6-0 6-1, the world no.4 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7(5) 6-3 6-2 6-2, the world no.97 Benjamin Bonzi 6-3 6-2 6-4 and the world no.15 Learner Tien 7-5 4-6 6-7(6) 6-1 6-4.
Karen Khachanov will play the world no.34 Alexander Blockx in the quarter. They have never played each other so far in top events.
Khachanov won 7 titles in his career: 3 on hard courts and 4 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Learner Tien and Karen Khachanov faced off just once. The head to head is 1-0 for Khachanov.
