Learner Tien celebrates after winning the NextGen ATP Finals semifinal match against Alex Michelsen

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Dec 22, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Learner Tien defeated close friend Alex Michelsen to reach the NextGen ATP Finals title match on Saturday but admitted he "hated" having had to face his American compatriot.

The 19-year-old left-hander, ranked at 122 in the world, came through 2-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, 4-1 in a semi-final which boasted tennis legend Rafael Nadal amongst the spectators.

"I can't put it into words right now," said Tien who hit 21 winners past the 41st-ranked Michelsen.

"I am really happy with the win but I hate it against him, but that is just how it goes. I started smiling when I came out here and saw him on the other side of the net, but I am really happy to get through and think I played really well."

Tien will face Brazil's Joao Fonseca, the lowest-ranked player in the draw at 145, who eased into the final by seeing off France's Luca Van Assche 4-2, 4-2, 4-1.

Fonseca is the second youngest man to make the NextGen final after current world number one and two-time major winner Jannik Sinner who took the title in 2019.

The Brazilian has won all of his four matches in Jeddah this week, a run which included the biggest win of his career against 20th-ranked Arthur Fils of France.

"Today was a great match. I played really solidly," said Fonseca after his one-hour victory. 

"He didn't have too many chances because I was playing so aggressively and making all the shots. There is one more match to go, and I hope I can for it."

Sunday's final will feature the two youngest players in the eight-man field with Fonseca having the advantage of already beating Tien during the group stages.