Americans Compete at Canadian Open: Alex Michelsen beat Learner Tien as McCartney Kessler falls
Tennis News
American players were in action this Saturday at the Canadian Open, with matches taking place in both Toronto and Montreal. Alex Michelsen won his all-American duel against Learner Tien to reach his first-ever Masters 1000 quarterfinals.
On the other hand, world No. 32 McCartney Kessler fought a tight battle against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk but couldn't capitalize on a one-set lead and was eliminated after a 7-5, 3-6, 3-6 defeat.
Michelsen vs. Tien: A battle of young Americans
An all-American duel unfolded between 19-year-old Learner Tien and 20-year-old Alex Michelsen for a spot in the Canadian Open quarterfinals. Michelsen, the 26th seed, was a slight favorite against his compatriot, especially after his convincing third-round victory against third seed Lorenzo Musetti.
First Set
An early break for Michelsen gave him the advantage, and he quickly moved ahead to a 3-0 lead on his serve. The world No. 34 capitalized on his first break opportunity and then saved a break point against him to take a comfortable lead. However, neither player was particularly secure on serve, and Tien earned several break points, though he couldn't convert them.
Michelsen remained solid on serve, winning 72% of his first-serve points compared to Tien's 60%. Tien committed 20 unforced errors in the set, while Michelsen had 13. The 26th seed ultimately took the set 6-3 after 40 minutes.
Second Set
The second set started in Michelsen's favor again after he secured an early break, taking the match's momentum. However, errors began to creep into his game as well, and Tien broke back in the very next game to take a 2-1 lead on his serve.
Michelsen proved more effective in the latter half of the set, creating constant break opportunities and conceding only two points in his next three service games. Michelsen won five of the next six games, proving much more precise than his rival. The 20-year-old hit 7 winners and 14 unforced errors, while Tien had only 2 winners and committed a total of 22 unforced errors in the set, which proved too costly.
Michelsen closed out the match 6-3, 6-3 after 41 minutes to advance to his first Masters 1000 quarterfinals. The American now awaits the winner of the match between Casper Ruud (88th) and Karen Khachanov (11th).
Match Statistics Michelsen vs. Tien
| Michelsen | VS | Tien |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 3 | Aces | 2 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 8 |
| 55% (36/65) | 1st Service Percentage | 53% (35/66) |
| 72% (26/36) | 1st Service Points Won | 66% (23/35) |
| 55% (16/29) | 2nd Service Points Won | 45% (14/31) |
| 75% (3/4) | Break Points Saved | 60% (6/10) |
| 89% (8/9) | Service Games | 56% (5/9) |
| Return | ||
| 34% (12/35) | 1st Return Points Won | 28% (10/36) |
| 55% (17/31) | 2nd Return Points Won | 45% (13/29) |
| Other | ||
| 1h 21m | Match Duration | 1h 21m |
Kostyuk Overcomes Kessler in Three-Set Thriller
The match was marked by service errors from both sides, with Kessler committing 12 double faults and Kostyuk 10. Break opportunities were abundant for both players, but Kostyuk's experience proved crucial in securing the victory.
In the first set, Kessler quickly had several break opportunities, but Kostyuk managed to save them and hold serve. However, the Ukrainian had her own chances in the fourth game and secured the first break after six opportunities, taking a 3-1 lead. In the next game, Kessler broke back to level the score. Kessler then saved two set points against her at 4-5 on her serve and went on to win three games in a row to close out a tight set 7-5.
In the second set, Kessler started with a break, but she couldn't hold her serve in the following game. This time, Kostyuk was firmer on her serve and won four consecutive games to go up 4-1. From there, neither player managed another break, and Kostyuk ultimately took the set 6-3.
From that point on, Kostyuk dominated the third set, winning her service games more easily and putting her opponent on the back foot multiple times. The Ukrainian conceded only five points on her serve in the final set and ultimately secured the victory with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 scoreline.
Match Statistics Kessler vs. Kostyuk
| Kessler | VS | Kostyuk |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 0 | Aces | 1 |
| 12 | Double Faults | 10 |
| 70% (83/119) | 1st Service Percentage | 54% (55/101) |
| 65% (54/83) | 1st Service Points Won | 71% (39/55) |
| 28% (10/36) | 2nd Service Points Won | 52% (24/46) |
| 75% (15/20) | Break Points Saved | 77% (10/13) |
| 67% (10/15) | Service Games | 80% (12/15) |
| Return | ||
| 29% (16/55) | 1st Return Points Won | 35% (29/83) |
| - | 2nd Return Points Won | - |
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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