ATP Next Gen Finals aka Jeddah

[jimlosaltos]

Learner Tien is rock solid off both wings, impressive win over Mickelson to reach the Final. He started the year just out of the top 500, and here he is. Such a nice humble young man.

Indeed. First time I'd seen him play.

ATP Scoreline: Learner Tien became the third American to reach the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF title match on Saturday in Jeddah, where he beat long-time friend Alex Michelsen 2-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, 4-1.

Sackmann's take pre match, excerpts: "Can Learner Tien Hang With the Big Boys? Tien’s transition from the Challenger tour to the big leagues could be rocky. Good defense and well-executed tactics are enough to clean up against top-200 competition. The combination was (just barely) sufficient against Mensik yesterday. But a full-time spot on the ATP tour requires more... The overall package is something between those of two other left-handers, Adrian Mannarino and Cam Norrie. Mannarino, also a sub-six-footer, throws the kitchen sink at opponents, keeping them off balance to compensate for his own lack of power. Norrie is considerably taller and has more firepower at his disposal. But he, too, refuses any rhythm to the man across the net. He alternates a loopy forehand with a flat backhand–except when he doesn’t, if you ever think you’ve found a groove.

[stroke]

Fonseca and his injection of pace forehand and rock solid top 3 ATP on tour backhand looks a lot like Sinner. He certainly looks like a future multiple GS winner. His first may happen this next year at RG. How soon for top 10 the question. He also is a very likeable humble young man.