Medvedev, Tien set for rematch in China Open semifinal

Daniil Medvedev is set to face 19-year-old American Learner Tien in the 2025 China Open semifinals on Tuesday night.

Tien is appearing in his first ATP-level semifinal after stunning No. 4 seed Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals and earlier wins over World No. 25 Flavio Cobolli and No. 21 Francisco Cerundolo. He also owns a win over Medvedev in their head-to-head series — a memorable five-set upset at the 2025 Australian Open in January.

The semifinal sets up what should be an intriguing rematch, with Medvedev’s deep-court defense and counterpunching against Tien’s all-court creativity and quick hands at the net. In Melbourne, the teenager stunned the former U.S. Open champion on one of tennis’ biggest stages. 

Medvedev, smiling after his most recent victory, said he’s “looking to get revenge.” The World No. 5 reached his 60th career semifinal without dropping a set this week, earning straight-sets wins over World No. 34 Cameron Norrie, No. 20 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev.

 Medvedev extends dominance over Zverev in quarterfinals

In a match filled with some of the tournament’s most creative shot-making, No. 8 seed Medvedev improved to 14-7 over World No. 3 Zverev, winning 6-3, 6-3 on the Diamond Court.

The 21st meeting between the two pit Zverev’s powerful serve against Medvedev’s signature counterpunching defense-to-offense style, setting the stage for a high-quality battle on the court. The opening set swung on a single service break. Zverev had three break points in the fifth game but failed to convert, committing two unforced errors before Medvedev sealed the hold with a 208 km/h ace. Medvedev then capitalized on his own opportunity later in the set, securing it 6-3.

The second set unfolded with both players holding serve comfortably, until Medvedev tightened his grip on the match. He broke Zverev twice, using deep, flat returns to neutralize the German’s serve and dictate rallies. While Zverev showed flashes of brilliance — fending off several of Medvedev’s seemingly certain winners with sharp reflexes at the net — the errors mounted. His frustration boiled over with repeated racket slams as he struggled to keep up with Medvedev’s consistency.

— Reporting by Connor Greene

Tien advances after Musetti retires

World No. 52 Tien advanced to the semifinals after No. 4 seed Musetti retired in the third set. Tien, 19, became the youngest player to reach the semifinals in Beijing since Rafael Nadal won the title in 2005 at the same age. The only American left in the main draw, Tien also became just the third American man to reach the semifinals here, and the first since John Isner in 2010. 

“I’m super happy,” Tien said. “I was in the quarters again last week and couldn’t get it done, so to get it done this week in a 500 feels great.” 

Tien was previously winless in four career quarterfinals. He fell behind early. At 3-3 in the opening set, Musetti broke serve with a crisp on-handed backhand down the line, then closed it out 6-4. 

“I always play with the intention that until the match is over, anything can happen,” Tien said. “I always have the belief that I can kind of claw my way back, so I dropped the first and was just trying to hang in there.” 

Early in the second set, Musetti called a medical timeout and had his left leg treated. His movement appeared limited afterward, and Tien capitalized, breaking for a 3-1 lead and eventually forcing a decider with a 6-3 set win. 

Tien quickly seized control of the third set, breaking twice to go up 3-0. But after netting a return to start the fourth game, Musetti walked to the net and retired.

The victory improved Tien’s record against Top 10 opponents to 5-2 this year. He previously defeated then-No. 2 Zverev at Acapulco, then-No. 10 Ben Shelton at Mallorca, then-No. 10 Andrey Rublev at Washington, and, most notably, then-No. 5 Medvedev at the Australian Open.

—Reporting by Coby Spratte