British tennis star Cameron Norrie overcomes rising star Learner Tien at Hong Kong Open
Tien went into the tournament riding the waves of reaching the final of the ATP Next Gen Finals, while Norrie had an inconsistent 2024
Cameron Norrie praised American youngster Learner Tien’s temperament after the Briton’s straight sets victory in the third round at the Bank of China Hong Kong Open.
Tien went into the tournament riding the waves of reaching the final of the ATP Next Gen Finals, while Norrie arrived at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium off the back of an inconsistent 2024 that was also hampered by injury.
Norrie comfortably claimed the first set 6-3 but was made to work in the second before eventually winning it 7-5. The 29-year-old showed glimpses of the form that once propelled him to No 8 with 11 aces.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult one,” Norrie said. “He won a lot of matches in the Next Gen, so I wasn’t surprised.
“I credit Tien. He stayed very calm the whole match and had some chances in the second set in, and I think maybe towards the end it got really physical, and I was able to hold my level and hold my quality of the shots.”
Tien, 19, showed why 2024 was such a breakthrough season, as he hit solid forehand shots and moved his opponent around the court. However, he also gave up 37 unforced errors and five double faults.
