Teen Qualifier Learner Tien Stuns Daniil Medvedev As Jannik Sinner Roars Back In Australian Open

Teenage qualifier Learner Tien stunned last year's Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev in an epic match ending at nearly 3:00 am Friday after defending champion Jannik Sinner roared back to take his place in the third round. Taylor Fritz was an emphatic winner in his pursuit of a maiden major title but exciting 18-year-old Joao Fonseca was edged out in a five-set thriller. The 19-year-old American Tien emerged over a gruelling four hours and 48 minutes of nailbiting action to defeat Russia's Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (8/10), 1-6, 7-6 (10/7).

The 121st-ranked Tien next faces France's 69th-ranked Corentin Moutet after the biggest win in his young career.

Tien had defeated Argentina's Camilo Ugo Carabelli in five sets in the first round for his maiden victory at a Grand Slam at the fourth attempt.

"I was definitely hoping it was not going to go to a fifth-set tie breaker," said Tien.

"But just really happy to get a win. I know I made it a lot harder than it could have been, but whatever."

It was a painful exit for former world number one Medvedev, who has lost three of the last four finals at Melbourne Park including to Sinner in 2024.

Before the late-night drama, top-ranked Sinner dropped a set for the first time in 14 matches when he lost the opener to Australian wildcard Tristan Schoolkate.

But he wrested back control after a slow start to go through 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 against the world number 173 at a cool and breezy Rod Laver Arena.

It was Sinner's 16th consecutive victory in an ominous sign for next opponent Marcos Giron.

"It's always tough to play against someone I don't know very well. He was playing much better than I was at the beginning," said the Italian, 23, who also won the US Open last year.

"I have