JEDDAH: American teenager Learner Tien capped a breakthrough season by overpowering Belgium’s Alexander Blockx to win the Next Gen ATP Finals on Sunday, triumphing 4-3(4) 4-2 4-1 in the year-ending showcase for the tour’s top under-20 players.
Played under the tournament’s fast-paced, modified scoring format, the final saw Tien display remarkable composure and efficiency. Fresh from lifting his first ATP Tour trophy at the Moselle Open last month, the left-hander kept his errors to a minimum, committing just 12 unforced mistakes compared to Blockx’s 23, and wrapped up the contest in under an hour.
Blockx came out firing, using his powerful serve — which produced seven aces — and frequent net approaches to pressure Tien’s backhand. But the American absorbed the early storm, steadied his game, and gradually took control with sharp returning and smart shot selection.
“I’m really happy. I knew it was going to be a tough match,” said Tien, reflecting on his redemption after losing last year’s final to Joao Fonseca. His victory marked a fitting finale to a season that has firmly established him as one of the brightest young talents in men’s tennis.
