World No.3 Alexander Zverev has booked a spot in the semi-finals, outlasting American Learner Tien in a nail-biting four-set battle on Rod Laver Arena.
Zverev dropped the second set, before blitzing through the rest of the match to win 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 7-6 (7-3).
Alexander Zverev serves big in his quarter-final.Credit: Penny Stephens
Tien put up an admirable fight and had an opportunity to take the fourth set but was overwhelmed by the German’s consistent serves and aces.
“Learner, form the baseline, was playing unbelievable,” Zverev said post-match.
“I don’t think I have played anyone who has played that well from the baseline for a very long time.”
Zverev said Tien’s coach Michael Chang had worked wonders on 20-year-old Tien’s game during the off-season.
“Without my 20 aces or something I probably would not have won today,” he said.
Zverev’s only double fault ironically happened to be on match point.
He will play the winner of tonight’s clash between Alex de Minaur and Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.