Source : ABC NEWS
You’ve just defeated three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev in an exhausting five-set match that didn’t finish until almost 3am.
How do you celebrate after beating a former world number one?
Eating a pizza, of course.
Appearing at his post-match media conference, a ravenous Learner Tien chomped down on slices of pepperoni pizza as he reflected on his 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (8/10), 1-6, 7-6 (10/7) win over Medvedev.
“It was either going to be celebratory or a binge eat … it feels better, it’s more celebratory, for sure,” Tien told reporters.
Tien had reason to treat himself after emerging victorious from an engrossing encounter lasting 4 hours and 49 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.
The result meant the 19-year-old qualifier — ranked 121 in the world — is the youngest American since Pete Sampras in 1990 to reach the men’s third round.
Tien had not won a match at a major until this week at Melbourne Park. (AP: Ng Han Guan)
“I think coming into my match today, I was just trying to treat it like any other match I ever played,” Tien said.
“Not putting too much importance on just this match today, feeling like this is the biggest match of my life or anything like that.
“I think just taking the positives from this match and looking forward to the next one and moving on.”
Tien rebounds in fifth set
Before this week, Tien had a 0-3 win-loss record at the majors.
His only other five-set match at the tour level came in the first round at Melbourne Park, when he got past Camilo Ugo Carabelli in an encounter that almost hit the 4-hour mark.
Tien (left) bounced back to seal his win over Medvedev in the fifth-set tiebreak. (AP: Ng Han Guan)
Tien had the chance to beat fifth seed Medvedev in straight sets but couldn’t convert on a match point in the third.
However, the missed opportunity didn’t faze the laid-back Californian.
“It wasn’t super difficult,” Tien said.
“I mean, I didn’t even touch a ball on that match point. It wasn’t like I had a huge opportunity.
“I don’t know how long that set was, it was long. I was down a break, broke back.
“To lose in a long breaker after saving a set point, then having my own match point, was a little tough.
“Honestly, I was just telling myself going into the match, if I could start two sets to one, I’d be thrilled.
“It wasn’t a bad position to be in.”
Tien’s win booked a third-round date with Corentin Moutet, who defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin earlier in the tournament.
There may be more pizza on the menu if he triumphs over the Frenchman, and perhaps he will stick with the same toppings he enjoyed after ending Medvedev’s campaign.
“Not too many pepperonis (sic),” Tien said.
“More just cheese.”
