Serving notice: Solid Zverev outlasts Tien to secure tenth major semifinal
Alexander Zverev defeated Learner Tien 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1, 7-6 (3) on Tuesday night to advance to the Australian Open semifinals. The world No 3 and 2025 runner-up utilized a dominant service display, including 24 aces, to end the inspired run of the 20-year-old American and reach his third consecutive final four in Melbourne.
Alexander Zverev, Australian Open 2026 | © Imago / PsNewz
Alexander Zverev defeated Learner Tien 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1, 7-6 (3) to confirm that his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title remains firmly on track. In a quarterfinal that tested both his tactical discipline and his emotional resolve, the No 3 seed showcased the “solid” form that has defined his 2026 season.
By reaching his 10th career Grand Slam semifinal, the 28-year-old German continues to build on the momentum of a 6-1 start to the year.
Dominance Behind the Delivery
The match was a clinic in modern serving, with Zverev leaning heavily on his primary weapon to navigate the pressure moments. In a contest played under the closed roof of Rod Laver Arena due to 41-degree heat, Zverev hammered 24 aces and maintained a relentless pressure that eventually wore down his younger opponent.
Reflecting on the technical gap between the top tier and the rest of the tour, Zverev highlighted his focus on the transition game. « The difference between the two best (Alcaraz, Sinner) and the others is the first serve after the serve. I worked a lot on that », he noted.
Despite Zverev’s early control, the world No 29 Learner Tien refused to go quietly. The 20-year-old American, who had already claimed a top-tier scalp in Daniil Medvedev earlier in the week, displayed “incredible shots” to steal the second set. Down 3-5 in the tiebreak, Tien won four consecutive points to level the match, momentarily unsettling the 2025 finalist.
However, as the sweltering conditions began to take their toll, Tien appeared “cooked” by the third set, allowing Zverev to regain his dominance with a clinical 6-1 set.
Holding Nerves and the Left-Handed Hex
The fourth set proved to be a battle of nerves, with Tien digging deep to force another tiebreak. Zverev, however, remained more solid than ever when it mattered most. He raced to a 6-0 lead in the deciding tiebreak before closing out the match 7-3. The victory extends Zverev’s remarkable record against left-handed opponents, having now won 38 of his last 39 matches against “southpaws.”
For the No 25 seed Learner Tien, the run ends with his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, marking him as the brightest young prospect in American men’s tennis.
or Zverev, the victory sets up his fourth Australian Open semifinal and a chance to finally cross the finish line that eluded him twelve months ago. Whether it is holding his serve or holding his nerves, the world No 3 is playing with a level of maturity that suggests he is ready to shed the title of the “best player to never win a Slam.”
