Learner Tien has advanced to his first ATP Tour final at the China Open in Beijing, becoming the second-youngest finalist in the tournament’s history. The 19-year-old American rallied from a set down against Daniil Medvedev, eventually leading 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 before the Russian was forced to retire due to physical issues.
Medvedev struggles with movement in the decider
Medvedev appeared to cramp and showed limited mobility in the third set, prompting his retirement after two hours and 26 minutes of play. Tien, who had trailed 3-5 in the second set, capitalized on Medvedev’s errors and physical discomfort to turn the match around.
“I was down 3-5 and 2-4 in the second set and managed to come back. I didn’t know if he had cramps or an injury because he limped off during the bathroom break with tape on his leg. I think it was cramps, I’ve been through it and it’s not fun. I wish him the best, it’s not the way you want to win, but I’m happy to be in the final,” Tien said after the match.
Tien continues to impress
Tien now holds a 7-5 record against top 20 players and has already beaten Medvedev twice in 2025, including a win at the Australian Open. This result propelled him up 16 places to No. 36 in the ATP Live rankings and puts him close to qualifying for the Next Gen ATP Finals.
Final showdown against Sinner
Tien will face Jannik Sinner in Wednesday’s final. The young American is the second-youngest finalist in Beijing’s history, behind only Rafael Nadal, and the third-youngest finalist on the ATP Tour this year.
ATP Shanghai - Daniil Medvedev's projected path
Daniil Medvedev in 2025
Currently ranked no.18, the Russian played his last match on the 30th of September when he surrendered to Unknown Player bye
in the 1st round in Shanghai (draw).Presently, during this year the Russian achieved a 30-20 match record. Daniil Medvedev’s most significant result of the current year was reaching the final in Halle.
ATP Beijing - Learner Tien's projected path
Tien in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.52, the American owns an overall 30-22 win-loss record in 2025. Learner is playing in Beijing where he bested the world no.21 Francisco Cerundolo 4-6 6-3 6-4, the world no.25 Flavio Cobolli 6-3 6-2, the world no.9 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 3-0 ret. and the world no.18 Daniil Medvedev 5-7 7-5 4-0 ret..
Learner Tien will play the world no.2 Jannik Sinner in the final. In the past, they have never played each other until now in top events.
Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien faced off only 2 times. Their actual record is 2-0 for Tien.