American Tien warms up for Roland Garros with Geneva Open win / Photo: Fabrice COFFRINI - AFP
American Tien warms up for Roland Garros with Geneva Open win
American Learner Tien won his second ATP title and first on clay against Argentinian Mariano Navone at the Geneva Open on Saturday.
The 20-year-old Tien becomes the second youngest American to win a European clay-court tournament following his illustrious coach Michael Chang who triumphed at the French Open in 1989 at age 17.
The world number 20 beat his 42nd-ranked opponent 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to warm up for the French Open starting Sunday on clay in Paris.
"I feel incredible. Super tough match today. It started out really tough," said Tien, who claimed his first ATP title in Metz last November.
"I think the first couple games were longer than my first set yesterday, so a really tough match. Really happy to come through."
Tien saved eight of the 12 break points he faced while converting five of his eight opportunities.
The American, who beat Alexander Bublik in three sets in the semi-finals, closed out the match on his second match point after two-and-a-half hours of play.
The fourth seed also beat 2021 Roland Garros finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to the final.
The reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion will climb to a career-high No. 18 on Monday, 49 spots higher than he was entering Roland Garros one year ago.
Tien will play Chilean Cristian Garin in the first round of the French Open on Monday where the American is seeded 18th.
P.Fuchs--BVZ
