Delray Beach, FL – Tommy Paul and Learner Tien will compete in the semifinal of the Delray Beach Open on Saturday evening, marking the first career meeting between the two American players. The match is scheduled for 8:00 pm on Center Court.

Paul Favored to Advance

Tennis Tonic predicts Tommy Paul will win the match in three sets. Initial odds favor Paul, with a quote of 1.72, while Tien is listed at 2.11.

According to 888Starz, Tommy Paul has a 54.41% chance of winning, with odds of 1.63. Bet365 gives Learner Tien a 45.59% probability of victory, with odds of 2.38.

Tien’s Rising Form and Improved Serve

Learner Tien continues to improve his game and climb the ATP rankings. He is guaranteed to leave Delray Beach with his best ranking to date (22nd or 21st). A key area of improvement has been his serve.

“I have spent a lot of time improving my serve and it is still in progress, because I can improve it in different aspects, but the improvements are already noticeable in some matches and the truth is that it is very motivating.”

Learner Tien

Tien defeated Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals 7-6(5), 3-6, 7-5, turning the match around after being down 5-3 in the third set. He achieved this victory, in part, by hitting twenty aces.

Tien’s Australian Open Success and Coaching

Tien’s breakthrough performance came at the Australian Open last year, where he defeated Daniil Medvedev before falling to Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. He credits his coach, Michael Chang, for his continued development.

“Sometimes I look over him, but I’m not a player who looks at his team after every point or every game, but We find certain moments in the game when I’m not thinking very well, so it’s great to have my team there supporting me.”

Learner Tien

Tien emphasizes a focus on continuous improvement rather than setting specific ranking goals.

“I don’t have any specific goals, I just want to continue improving and this American tour is the place where you want to play well in all the tournaments, it’s incredible to be able to play at home, but in terms of the ATP ranking I don’t have any set goals.”

Learner Tien

Tiafoe Match Recap

Tien reflected on his comeback victory against Frances Tiafoe, recalling a similar loss in a tiebreak the previous year at the same tournament.

“Last year I already lost here in a tie break in the third set, so it’s nice to get the win now, especially after having lost the second set and going 5-3 down in the third, it’s a great feeling.”

Learner Tien

University Experience and Australian Open Connection

Tien fondly remembers his time at university, noting it was a period of personal maturity. He also expressed a strong connection to the Australian Open.

“When I returned to the Australian Open this year I didn’t feel like a year had passed, time goes by super fast and I try to enjoy it as much as I can, but I always enjoy playing in Melbourne and I always try to play as well as possible.”

Learner Tien