Sonego Reaches Quarter-Finals, Stops Tien's Dream Run
Lorenzo Sonego defeats Learner Tien 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, ending the 19-year-old American's impressive run in Melbourne.
Lorenzo Sonego, the 29-year-old Italian, brought an end to Learner Tien's impressive run at the Australian Open, defeating the 19-year-old American qualifier 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 on Monday. With this victory, Sonego advanced to the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. Sonego had previously eliminated 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca in the second round, and his experience proved to be a decisive factor once again as he secured the win over Tien on John Cain Arena.
Sonego was overwhelmed with emotion as he reflected on his achievement, saying, “I don't know what to say. It's just unbelievable, I'm crazy emotional.” He acknowledged that the match was challenging, particularly as Tien struggled with an injury. Sonego expressed his sympathy, stating, “Today was so tough, I'm so sad that he had a problem. It's not the right way to win, but I'm so happy to reach the quarter-finals.” Despite the bittersweet nature of his victory, Sonego was thrilled to have reached this milestone in his career.
Sonego also praised the electric atmosphere on John Cain Arena, saying, “The atmosphere was amazing, it was really special to be here.” He expressed his desire to make the most of this opportunity and enjoy every moment of his time in the quarter-finals. Sonego concluded, “I want to do my best and I played well this week. I want to enjoy every moment.”
Learner Tien's struggles with a strapped right thigh became apparent early in the match, as he double-faulted in his opening service game. Lorenzo Sonego capitalized on the opportunity, securing an early break to take control of the first set. Sonego's momentum carried him through the set, ultimately cruising to a 6-3 victory.
On Sonego 🎶
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2025
Lorenzo Sonego reaches his first Grand Slam quarterfinal! 🇮🇹#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/CBgeqXON9B
Sonego, who showcases his musical talents as a singer-songwriter in his free time, continued to hit all the right notes in the second set. He broke Tien's serve once again, taking a 5-2 lead before holding serve in the eighth game to secure the set 6-2. At this point, Sonego seemed poised for a comfortable win, but Tien had other plans.
Tien, who was attempting to become the youngest man to reach the quarter-finals since Goran Ivanisevic in 1989, refused to give up. He broke Sonego's serve in the third set, ultimately winning the set 6-3 when Sonego hit a forehand long. Although Sonego experienced a brief setback, he quickly regained his composure and dominated the fourth set.
🇮🇹 Giorgio de Stefani (1935)
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2025
🇮🇹 Nicola Pietrangeli (1957)
🇮🇹 Cristiano Caratti (1991)
🇮🇹 Matteo Berrettini (2022)
🇮🇹 Jannik Sinner
🆕 Lorenzo Sonego
He becomes the 6th Italian man in history to reach the quarterfinals at the AO! 👏#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/BIasPutrQi
Sonego's strong recovery was highlighted by a series of powerful forehand winners, which helped him establish a 3-0 advantage in the fourth set. He maintained this momentum, ultimately sealing the victory with a 6-1 win in the final set. With this win, Sonego booked a quarter-final meeting with either Gael Monfils or Ben Shelton.
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