Australian Open 2026: Alexander Zverev serves to defeat Learner Tien to reach semi-finals
German third seed Alexander Zverev thanked his serve for taking him past an “incredible” learner’s field and into the Australian Open semi-finals.
The 20-year-old Tian, ranked 29th in the world, is aiming to become the youngest man to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne in 34 years.
But Zverev produced a masterclass on his serve as he won 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 7-6 (7-3) on Rod Laver Arena to reach his 10th Grand Slam semi-final.
Last year, when Zverev lost in the final, he fired 24 aces and committed just one double fault while winning 76 percent of his first-serve points.
He saved all three break points with an unreturned serve.
“The bottom line learners are incredible,” the 28-year-old Zverev said.
“I don’t think I’ve played against anyone who plays the baseline that well in a long time.
“Without my 20 aces or something like that, I probably wouldn’t have won today, so I’m very happy with my serve.”
