AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2026, Melbourne, ATP GRAND SLAM

[El Dude]

I did not post my above with much belief, but Tien did win that TB. One set apiece. The trouble he's been giving finally paid off.

I still give a solid edge to Zverev, but Learner is making it interesting.

 

[britbox]

Zverev breaks in Set 3. A little sloppy from Thien - a couple of DFs in that service game.

 

[Moxie]

Zverev breaks in Set 3. A little sloppy from Thien - a couple of DFs in that service game.

I turn my head, and suddenly, it's 5-1 Zverev.

 

[britbox]

I turn my head, and suddenly, it's 5-1 Zverev.

and there is Set 3 in the bag. Very efficient set from Sascha. Pretty impressive.

 

[Moxie]

and there is Set 3 in the bag. Very efficient set from Sascha. Pretty impressive.

You see, this is why he's irritating. He's a jerk, in general, but he is a very good tennis player, however boring. But look how often it matters that he's 6'6". That's not a talent.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Hi everyone
Greetings from Melbourne
Who knew Sasha could volley? lol!

 

[britbox]

Well played Sascha. Good solid performance.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Well played Sascha. Good solid performance.

Also Tien played so solid from the baseline, he can hold his head high, if he keeps improving his serve with consistency he can be a top ten player

 

[britbox]

De Minaur and Alcaraz are out. @MargaretMcAleer is in residence. Should be great atmosphere once things get going.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Most players find their way a bit in their first few service games not Carlos he has started ' like a house on fire" his racquet speed is just amazing, aggressive and sharp in the first few games.

 

[britbox]

Most players find their way a bit in their first few service games not Carlos he has started ' like a house on fire" his racquet speed is just amazing, aggressive and sharp in the first few games.

Incredible levels... great to see De Minaur feel his way back in with a break. Needs to consolidate.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Incredible levels... great to see De Minaur feel his way back in with a break. Needs to consolidate.

Alex did gain some momentum, after Carlos had a very sloppy service game. Alex needs to have a high percentage of first serves throughout the match, for free points.Alex had a poor service game and Carlos pounces and will serve for the 1st set 5-3
Good God Alex is soo quick he is amazing and got to that drop shot, and he broke Carlos again, this match is such a physical encounter

 

[britbox]

As well as Alex is playing, I felt he had to win that first set to have any chance. Carlos is just too good.

 

[britbox]

Carlos takes the second set 6-2. Alex has thrown the kitchen sink at him but I feel this match is over.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Carlos takes the second set 6-2. Alex has thrown the kitchen sink at him but I feel this match is over.

Yep, Alex had his chances in the 1st set, but just could not go on with it, since then Alcaraz is just being Alcaraz, just too good.,

 

[britbox]

Order of Play - Day 11 - 28 Jan 2026

 

[El Dude]

Learner Tien was the first player younger than Alcaraz to reach a Slam QF. Fils, Perricard, Michelsen and previously Tien had all reached R16.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Learner Tien was the first player younger than Alcaraz to reach a Slam QF. Fils, Perricard, Michelsen and previously Tien had all reached R16.

Even though Tien lost yesterday he was really solid off the baseline, when that serves improves, with consistency, he is a Top Ten player for sure.

 

[britbox]

Highlight Reels - Day 10 - 27 Jan

 

[britbox]

Learner Thien Press Conference
AO Quarter Final: L v Alexander Zverev 3-6 7-6 1-6 6-7



LeoAI Transcript Summary

• Thien reflects positively on his performance at the Australian Open (AO), expressing satisfaction with their progression through the tournament.
• He acknowledges a slight emotional letdown after winning the second set, which led to a drop in performance in the third set.
• Learner credits his coach, Michael Chang, for providing calm, tactical advice and encouragement during the match.
• They emphasize that both winning their first title and reaching the quarterfinals of a major are significant milestones, and they do not rank one above the other.
• Thien discusses the importance of experience in high-pressure situations, noting that such moments help prepare them for future challenges.
• At 20 years old, he says they don’t feel overwhelmed by the attention and enjoy the lifestyle of travelling and playing tennis.
• He identifies his serve as an area for improvement and believe that both wins and losses provide valuable learning experiences.
• Thien mentions feeling more comfortable with each match, noting improvements in their ability to see the ball and maintain consistency.