Next Gen ATP Finals 2024: Fearless Fonseca topples Mensik in tie-break frenzy as terrific Tien dumps out Fils

With Rafael Nadal in Jeddah for the Next Gen ATP Finals, it was Joao Fonseca and Learner Tien that put on a show that would've made the great Spaniard suitably impressed. The former produced a tie-break clinic to continue his flawless run on Friday.

Fonseca already knew he was in the semi-finals come what may. He maintained that run on Friday night as he registered a 3-4(4), 4-3(8), 4-3(5), 3-4(4) 4-3(5) win over Jakub Mensik. It was the Czech and also Arthur Fils who was dumped out by Learner Tien that were the favourites for the title. But only really Alex Michelsen has lived up to his status and ranking.

Fonseca held his nerve in five tight sets with some real video game tennis as he clinched their first meeting and advanced with a perfect 3-0 Blue Group record. He will play Luca van Assche on Saturday. The latter finished runner-up in the Red Group with Michelsen far and away the best player.

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Earlier this week, Fonseca defeated Arthur Fils and Learner TIen. The 18-year-old is the first to compete at the tournament and also reaches his best run at an ATP event with this run.

While Tien on the other hand ousted top seed Fils 4-2, 4-2, 3-4(4), 4-3(5) in a win or bust tie. The 19-year-old finished second in the Blue Group and will meet Alex Michelsen.

The same player who is a close friend and also sat in his box during his pulsating win over Fils on Friday so very much will be a tie where both will remain friends after but leaving it all out on the court.

“I thought I played really well today,” Tien said in his on-court interview. “It was great to rebound and have a good match after getting chopped by Joao [Fonseca] yesterday. It’s great to come out here and play good tennis. I thought I maintained my level pretty well from the beginning to the end.”