Learner Tien vs Daniil Medvedev: Australian Open Rematch Revives Midnight Classic

Learner Tien is set for a familiar challenge at the Australian Open, with the 20-year-old preparing to face Daniil Medvedev once again in Melbourne-this time in a fourth-round clash on Sunday.

A year ago, Tien announced himself on the big stage by stunning Medvedev in a five-set, near five-hour marathon that finished well past midnight. Now, the left-hander returns to the same tournament seeking a similar outcome, with a quarterfinal spot on the line.

Medvedev arrives after surviving another taxing encounter, rallying from two sets down to defeat Fabian Marozsan 6-7 (5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 on Friday. It marked the fifth time the former U.S. Open champion has overturned a 0-2 deficit at a Grand Slam.

"I think it's pretty crazy that we end up playing

here again a year later," Tien said after his straight-sets win over Nuno Borges, 7-6 (9), 6-4, 6-2. "Last year, everything was happening so fast. I just remember being really happy-my mind was everywhere. "

That breakthrough victory over Medvedev eventually carried Tien to the fourth round, where he fell to Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, narrowly missing a place in the quarterfinals. The late-night drama of that match is still vivid-so late, in fact, that Tien arrived at his post-match press conference with a pepperoni pizza in hand.

Sunday's meeting will be the fourth encounter between the pair, with Tien holding a narrow 2-1 edge. They also split two ATP Tour matches in China in 2025. "All our matches have been wars," Tien said. "We don't give away many free points, so rallies and games naturally get long. "

Now seeded 25th, Tien believes he has grown since last year, citing increased experience at the elite level. Medvedev, seeded 11th, brings a deeper resume, including a 2021 U.S. Open title and three Australian Open final appearances, though he is still regaining rhythm after early exits at the other majors last season.

Medvedev admitted he noticed the looming rematch only after falling behind in his third-round match. "I thought, if I win this one, it's going to be five sets and very tough-and then I have Learner," he said.

"I kind of don't like playing him," Medvedev added with a smile, "but he must hate playing me too. Long rallies, good defense, shot-making-it's going to be brutal. "