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Indian Wells star sends handwritten message to rival after inflicting big upset

Learner Tien notched one other large win as he progressed at his dwelling event in Indian Wells.

Learner Tien shared his pleasure for doubles with Daniil Medvedev after taking out Ben Shelton (Picture: Tennis TV)

Learner Tien brought about the largest upset of the day to date in Indian Wells on Sunday, taking out No. 8 seed Ben Shelton within the third spherical, 7-6(3) 4-6 6-3. The 20-year-old American has turn into one of many brightest younger stars on the tour during the last yr, and now has a 6-5 file towards top-10 opposition.

Tien’s first large win towards a high participant got here ultimately yr’s Australian Open when, as a teenage qualifier, he shocked Daniil Medvedev within the second spherical. Since then, they’ve fashioned an exciting rivalry, and Tien now leads their head-to-head 3-1.

The world No. 27 will now be part of forces together with his Russian rival in Indian Wells, as they’ve entered the doubles event collectively. And Tien instantly wrote a message to Medvedev on the digital camera lens after taking out Shelton, sharing his pleasure for his or her upcoming crew debut. “Time for dubs,” he wrote, including a smiley face.

California-born Tien is now by to the final 16 in Indian Wells for the primary time, and he’ll be hoping to hold that type into the doubles with former world No. 1 Medvedev. After incomes his sixth profession top-10 win over Shelton, the 20-year-old recommended his opponent for battling by regardless of being unwell.

Shelton is considered one of a number of gamers who picked up a virus this week in Indian Wells, with Matteo Berrettini amongst these affected. And Tien stated: “It’s nice, it’s nice. I simply wish to say, Ben got here out not feeling 100 per cent. I don’t suppose he’s been feeling nice all week. However he’s a tremendous competitor; he got here out and gave it his all. I simply wish to say big props to him. However I’m tremendous joyful to be within the fourth spherical, particularly right here it’s tremendous particular, and I’ve dubs this afternoon, so I’m excited.

“Even when he’s not at his finest, his serve continues to be unbelievable. His serve and forehand had been actually firing in some moments of the match, and also you simply by no means know. Nerves positively performed a task. I really feel like I used to be lacking some pictures that I often wouldn’t. My rhythm I feel wasn’t totally there in some moments, however I’m proud of how I stayed current and the way I stayed current and the way I competed.

Learner Tien and Daniil Medvedev will put their rivalry apart and crew up in doubles (Picture: Getty)

“I don’t take into consideration rankings once I step on the court docket. I actually consider that any time I step on the court docket, I’ve an opportunity to win. I simply exit and compete, and no matter occurs, occurs.”

Tien is because of take to the Stadium 4 court docket with Medvedev in a matter of hours as they put their rivalry to at least one aspect and crew as much as tackle cousins and top-30 singles stars Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech. Forward of their thrilling doubles link-up, current Dubai champion Medvedev stated Tien had one of many highest ‘tennis IQs’ on tour.

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“Learner, for positive. Yeah, I performed him 4 occasions now, and in a manner each match was completely different, however the best way he, yeah, he manages to regulate the court docket, to regulate the purpose to his favour is actually spectacular. We’re taking part in doubles tomorrow, however I actually like his recreation and sort of hoping he can do nicely in his profession,” the world No. 11 defined.

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