Australian Open | American momentum builds as Tommy Paul and Learner Tien secure second-week spots

Friday, 23 January 2026 at 05:18

Paul's physical problems began in Madrid Open 2025

The third round of the Australian Open began this Friday, and the first qualifiers are already in, with positive results for the Americans in the men’s draw. Tommy Paul benefited from the retirement of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina—when the American was leading by two sets to love—to reach the fourth round in Melbourne for the third time in his career.

Meanwhile, young Learner Tien is flying. He once again shines at Melbourne Park and reaches the Round of 16 of the tournament for the second consecutive year. After breaking into the second week back in 2025—then still largely unknown outside the top 100—he smiles again this time after defeating Nuno Borges in straight sets.

Learner Tien overcomes Borges in straight sets

The 20-year-old was one of the players who opened Friday’s third-round action on Show Court Arena. The 25th seed arrived as the favourite against Borges (No. 46), who had taken advantage of Felix Auger-Aliassime’s injury in the first round and had reached the third round for the third consecutive year.

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The Portuguese was the first to earn a break in a first set where neither player had created chances until midway through. Borges secured the break in the seventh game and then moved ahead 5–3 with his serve. The European had the opportunity to serve for the set, but Tien reacted by taking advantage of his first couple of break chances to level things again. Everything was decided in the tie-break, where Borges wasted two set points before Tien claimed the set 7–6 [11–9].

From that point on, the American took control of the match and, a few minutes later, won five games in a row in the second set. Borges responded by getting one of the breaks back, but it was not enough to mount a comeback, and Tien took the second set 6–4.

The third set once again began with an early break from the 20-year-old, who held onto his serve and eventually closed out the match 7–6 (9), 6–4, 6–2. In the fourth round, he awaits a potential clash with Daniil Medvedev (11th seed).

Match Statistics Tien vs. Borges

Tien	VS	Borges
	Service
8	Aces	8
5	Double Faults	2
67% (67/100)	1st Service Percentage	82% (79/96)
73% (49/67)	1st Service Points Won	65% (51/79)
55% (18/33)	2nd Service Points Won	41% (7/17)
67% (4/6)	Break Points Saved	38% (3/8)
87% (13/15)	Service Games	67% (10/15)
	Return
35% (28/79)	1st Return Points Won	27% (18/67)
59% (10/17)	2nd Return Points Won	45% (15/33)

Paul advances as Davidovich Fokina retires

World No. 20 Tommy Paul had little trouble overcoming an injured Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, advancing in under an hour on court. The American dominated from the start against a rival who was clearly limited by leg problems from the second set onward.

Paul stepped on the accelerator early and quickly took full control of the match, with strong service games and two consecutive breaks. Only a few minutes into the match, the American had surged ahead 5–0, before Davidovich Fokina (No. 14) managed to hold serve for the first time. Paul showed no hesitation and closed out the set on serve after winning 10 consecutive service points.

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At the start of the second set, things continued to go well for Paul, who secured an immediate break and capitalised as Davidovich Fokina’s physical issues became apparent. The Spaniard called for the physiotherapist while trailing 1–2, following another break by Paul. The world No. 14 complained of pain in his left leg but returned to the court with little success.

Paul won another four games in a row—six in total—and took the second set once again 6–1. It was then that Davidovich Fokina definitively decided to retire from the match, unable to compete at 100%. After just 55 minutes, Tommy Paul sealed his place in the fourth round of the Australian Open, something he had already achieved in 2023 and 2025.

In his bid to reach the quarter-finals, he could face world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who must first overcome Frenchman Corentin Moutet.

Match Statistics Paul vs. Davidovich Fokina

Paul	VS	Davidovich Fokina
	Service
3	Aces	3
0	Double Faults	4
63% (20/32)	1st Service Percentage	61% (31/51)
95% (19/20)	1st Service Points Won	45% (14/31)
75% (9/12)	2nd Service Points Won	45% (9/20)
- (0/0)	Break Points Saved	38% (3/8)
100% (7/7)	Service Games	29% (2/7)
	Return
55% (17/31)	1st Return Points Won	5% (1/20)
55% (11/20)	2nd Return Points Won	25% (3/12)

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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