A year after losing the title clash to Joao Fonseca, Learnen Tien returned to this week's Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah.
The top seedfaced Alexander Blockx in the final andearneda 4-3, 4-2, 4-1 victory in 59 minutes to lift a trophy.
The American and the Belgian entered the tournament in Saudi Arabia as the top seeds and met in the title clash. Tien prevailed in a tight opener and raised his level in sets two and three to emerge at the top and conquer the prestigious event.
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They battled almost three years after their Australian Open junior final. Learnen served revenge and wrapped up his rock-solid 2025 campaign with another trophy in his collection.
The American claimed 16 points more than the Belgian. He dominated behind the first serve and kept the second serve safe to defend both break points and mount the pressure on the other side.
Blockx struggled behind the second serve and lost serve two times in sets two and three. Tien reduced his shots and landed nine winners and 12 unforced errors. Alexander embraced an 18-24 ratio and struggled from the baseline.
The opening set offered one break point. Blockx saved it in the third game and arranged a tie break. Learnen grabbed back-to-back mini breaks for a 5-1 advantage and claimed it 7-4 to gain a boost.
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The American served well in the second set and provided a break in the sixth game for 4-2, moving closer to the finish line. Blockx suffered a break in the fourth game of the third set.
Tien served for the win at 3-1 and faced the only two break points. He saved the first and claimed a decisive point to seal the deal in style and celebrate the title.
