American qualifier Learner Tien became the youngest player to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open in 20 years when he defeated ailing Corentin Moutet 7-6 (10), 6-3, 6-3 on Saturday, continuing the teenager’s fairy-tale run at Melbourne Park.
Less than two months after his 19th birthday, Tien already had the more experienced measure of Moutet before the French world number 69 suffered problems with his left upper leg during a late afternoon clash at the Kia Arena.
Tien’s victory in the battle of left-handers came two days after he captured the tournament by beating former US Open champion and three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller.
Tien, the youngest player to reach the fourth round since 18-year-old Rafa Nadal reached the same stage in 2005, gave American fans something to cheer about after fourth seed Taylor Fritz was defeated by the wily Frenchman Gael Monfils.
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“It’s a great feeling… Obviously you go into every match believing you can win,” he said.
“But being in week two is amazing.”
Among American men, only 18-year-old Pete Sampras was younger when he reached the fourth round in Melbourne.
Tien will next face Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
