Tien, Fonseca to contest Next Gen ATP Finals title

Learner Tien and Joao Fonseca will meet in the title match of the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, with the two prevailing in their respective semi-finals over Alex Michelsen and Luca van Assche on Saturday.

Tien was a heavy underdog against Michelsen, paying as much as $4.33 at some tennis betting sites, but raced past his compatriot 2-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, 4-1 in an hour and 36 minutes.

“I can’t put it into words right now,” Tien said after the match.

“I am really happy with the win but I hate it was against him, but that is just how it goes.

“I started smiling when I came out here and saw him on the other side of the net, but I am really happy to get through and think I played really well.”

Little separated the two Americans across the first three sets of their semi-final in the under-21 event, but as the match wore on Tien gained the upper hand.

The 19-year-old struck 21 winners over the course of the match, bettering Michelsen with crafty angles and some solid baseline play.

“It would be amazing to win,” he said of the upcoming final against Fonseca.

“I have one more to go, so I hope I can get it done.

“I played Joao a few days ago and it was a rough one.

“There are no easy matches.

“To have another shot at Joao after losing earlier this week is pretty cool.”

Fonseca’s semi-final was much more straight-forward, with the Brazilian living up to his favorite tag across top sportsbooks.

The clash was over in an hour flat as Fonseca raced past van Assche 4-2, 4-2, 4-1, striking 20 winners to just two unforced errors.

“On hard courts, I’ve never had such a good week,” Fonseca said after booking his spot in the Jeddah final.

“I’m playing a very high level.

“I’m just very proud of myself and the way that I’ve been with my routine this week, so focused.

“With my family here, with my three coaches, it’s really nice and I hope I can go for the title.”

Fonseca is a heavy favorite at Bovada to prevail in the championship match, with odds of just $1.25 to win, compared to Tien’s $4.

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