Learnen Tien did not lift his first ATP title in Beijing. A teenager reached his first ATP final at the China Open in Beijing, chasing the trophy against world no. 2 Jannik Sinner.
The 2023 champion scored a dominant 6-2, 6-2 victory in an hour and 12 minutes, dominating on serve and return en route to his 21st ATP title. Despite the loss, Learnen enjoyed his milestone week that marked a step forward in his young career.
He fought hard but was overpowered by the four-time Major winner, failing to match the rival's precision and brutal pace. Tien experienced a breakthrough moment and praised his coach Michael Chang, who has guided him this season.
Chang understands the rigors and demands of top-tier tennis, sharinghis experience withthe rising star. Learnen has already achieved everything he wanted this season, earning a chance to enjoy in the last couple of weeks of the competition.
Jannik lost the Beijing Open final to Carlos Alcaraz a year ago and turned the tables against the young gun. World no. 2 denied both break points in the second set and kept the pressure on the other side.
The Italian fired 24 winners and 16 unforced errors and left his rival on an 11-18 ratio. Sinner fired 21 service winners and reduced a teenager to six, building a massive advantage in that segment.
Jannik's relentless serve and aggressive baseline play left Learnen little room to impose his strokes in his return-oriented game. Instead of mounting the pressure on the favorite, the young gun could not read his serve, allowing Sinner that many service winners.
A teenager acknowledged that he struggled to find the rhythm and timing against such a strong rival who dictated the pace right from the start. Despite the loss, the Beijing final showcased Tien's composure, steady improvement and potential for deep run at notable tournaments.
"I had a great week in Beijing, learning a lot and gaining experience. This is my first full season on the Tour, and this experience will take a big leap into my career. Michael Chang is my first coach who experienced the top-tier level of competition.
He knows exactly what I'm going through, bringing new perspectives to my tennis. I have already met all the goals I had set for myself this season, which is very satisfying. Facing Jannik was very difficult.
I could not read his serve, which killed me. Usually, I feel comfortable while returning, structuring my confidence around bringing many serves into the court and pressuring my rivals.
It was impossible to achieve that against Jannik. He constantly pressures you, and I could not hurt him with my serve, which plagued my performance," Learnen Tien said.
