The Mexican Open 2025 has been electrified by a stunning upset as emerging American tennis talent Learner Tien triumphed over world No. 3 Alexander Zverev in straight sets. This victory in the Round of 16 has catapulted the 19-year-old into the spotlight as a promising future star in tennis.
Taking place at Acapulco’s Arena GNP Seguros from February 24 to March 1, the tournament saw Tien secure an impressive 6-3, 6-4 win against Zverev, a former champion and a strong contender for the title. Zverev found it challenging to counter Tien’s aggressive and fearless approach, marking a pivotal moment in Tien’s rising career.
Learner Tien’s Meteoric Rise
Prior to this remarkable victory, Tien had already begun to make a name for himself on the ATP Tour:
- Finalist at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals
- Advanced to the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open, defeating Daniil Medvedev
- Former ITF Junior World No. 4
- ATP ranking before the Mexican Open: No. 83
Tien’s aggressive baseline play, exceptional movement, and fearless mindset have allowed him to compete with top-tier players. His victory over Zverev signifies his emergence on the ATP Tour.
Zverev: A Giant with Weaknesses
Zverev’s departure was characterized by several challenges:
- Inconsistent serving
- Struggles at the net
- Difficulty adapting to Acapulco’s conditions
After narrowly overcoming Matteo Arnaldi, Zverev’s errors against Tien resulted in an unexpectedly early exit, affecting his quest for the world No. 1 ranking.
A Tournament Full of Surprises
The Mexican Open 2025 has been rife with unexpected eliminations and withdrawals, creating an open field:
- Casper Ruud withdrew due to illness
- Tommy Paul withdrew before facing Marcos Giron
- Holger Rune retired after 10 minutes against Brandon Nakashima
- Ben Shelton was eliminated in the Round of 16
These developments have paved the way for young talents like Tien to make history.
Match Analysis: How Tien Took Down Zverev
Tien’s victory was a tactical masterclass:
- Aggressive baseline play
- Flawless shot placement
- Composure under pressure
- Superior court movement
By maintaining his composure and playing fearlessly, Tien secured the biggest win of his career in just 1 hour and 28 minutes.
What’s Next for Learner Tien?
Tien now advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face Tomas Machac. Potential semifinal opponents include Stefanos Tsitsipas, Frances Tiafoe, and Rodrigo Pacheco. With the draw wide open, Tien could make an unexpected run to the final.
Impact of Zverev’s Loss on His Ranking Chase
Zverev’s early exit means he misses a crucial opportunity to gain ranking points, affecting his chase for the No. 1 spot. He will need strong performances at upcoming tournaments to stay in contention.
A New Generation of American Tennis Stars
Tien joins a wave of young American players making an impact, including Ben Shelton, Sebastian Korda, and Brandon Nakashima. His success in Acapulco signals his readiness to compete at the highest level.
The Mexican Open 2025 has delivered one of the season’s biggest upsets with Tien’s victory over Zverev. As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on Tien and the remaining contenders. Can the young American claim his first ATP title?