Teen sensation Learner Tien equals historic Rafael Nadal feat with remarkable round three victory
American qualifier Learner Tien's grand slam journey has reached new heights as the teen sensation pulled off a 20-year-first to match Rafael Nadal.
Tien is the youngest male player to take to the courts and advance to the round of 16 at the Australian Open since Nadal, who made history back in 2005.
Nadal was six months shy of his 19th birthday when he was eliminated by Lleyton Hewitt in the fourth round, with the Aussie star going on to come second in the major final.
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On the 20th anniversary of Nadal's history-making moment, 19-year-old Tien has emerged as the latest rising star to make waves on the big stage.
Spain's Rafael Nadal plays a powerful forehand during his match against Australia's Lleyton Hewitt. PA Images via Getty Images
While attention has quickly shifted to the young gun's success on Australian soil, wide-spread comparison to one of the greatest of the game is one that he accepts humbly.
"I don't think I can start comparing myself to him," Tien said after defeating Corentin Moutet in 7-6, 6-3, 6-3.
"But that [fact] is really cool.
"Obviously this [tournament has] exceeded my expectations and what I was hoping for coming into this week.
"You know, you go into every match believing you can win but to be in the second week is amazing."
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Tien is one of three teens to record upsets against top-10 players this week. Brazil's Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik also achieved the feat but were later knocked out.
Tien broke early for a 3-1 lead in the first set before the Frenchman levelled the scores and eventually forced the pair into a thriller tiebreak.
The showdown of the first set ended in favour of the teenager after 72 minutes of action.
He followed his efforts in the tiebreak with a dominant second set performance, but injury quickly derailed Moutet's game plan as he appeared to fall to the ground with a leg concern.
Returning to his feet, Moutet struggled to turn momentum back in his favour as Tien ran away with the match.
