American tennis star Learner Tien captured the Next Gen ATP Finals crown on Sunday, defeating Belgian Alexander Blockx 4-3(4), 4-2, 4-1 in the summit clash.
The year-ending exhibition tournament featured the eight highest-ranked players aged 20 and under, with a modified format requiring four games to win a set and sudden-deuce points.
Tien, who claimed his first ATP trophy at the Moselle Open last month, produced a composed performance with only 12 unforced errors compared to Blockx’s 23. The match lasted just under an hour, showcasing Tien’s consistency and tactical maturity.
Blockx opened aggressively, firing seven aces and targeting Tien’s backhand. He pushed the first set into a tiebreaker but failed to sustain momentum. Tien responded with sharp lobs and drive volleys, breaking through in the second set with his powerful forehand. In the third, he secured another break to lead 3-1, leaving Blockx little chance to recover.
“I’m really happy. I knew it was going to be a tough match. He’s been playing great all week,” said Tien, who lost last year’s final to Joao Fonseca. Blockx acknowledged his opponent’s dominance, telling him at the trophy ceremony: “There aren’t a lot of days I feel helpless on court, but today was one of them. You’re just too good.”
Ranked 28th in the world, Tien has enjoyed a stellar season, including five victories over top-10 players and a straight-sets win over world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in February.
