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Australian Open Upset: 20-Year-Old Tien Defeats Medvedev

Published January 25, 2026, 11:16
Australian Open Upset: 20-Year-Old Tien Defeats Medvedev

20-year-old American tennis player Learner Tien caused a major upset at the Australian Open, defeating Daniil Medvedev 3-0 (6-4, 6-0, 6-3) and advancing to the quarterfinals. This marks the first time Tien has reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament. Tien's victory was particularly impressive, as Medvedev, ranked No. 12 in the world and a three-time Australian Open finalist, lost a set without winning a single game – something that hadn't happened in 451 sets played in Grand Slam events. Tien has now won three of his four matches against Medvedev, including two consecutive victories in Melbourne. Last year, he defeated Medvedev in the second round, but in five sets. In the next round, Tien will face Alexander Zverev, who also advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Francisco Cerundolo in three sets.