Cameron Norrie Stunned by Rising Star Learner Tien in Acapulco Opener

Cameron Norrie's hopes at the Mexican Open in Acapulco were dashed early as he fell to Learner Tien, a 19-year-old American qualifier, in the opening round. Tien, ranked 83rd globally, secured a 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 win over Norrie, who is currently 74th in the world rankings. This match marks a significant turnaround from their previous encounter in Hong Kong, where Norrie emerged victorious.

Norrie showed signs of resilience when he recovered from a 4-1 deficit in the first set and even served for the set at 5-4. However, Tien's relentless pressure led to a break of serve, allowing him to clinch the tie-break and subsequently dominate the match.

In other matches, second seed Casper Ruud advanced smoothly, defeating Arthur Rinderknech of France 6-4 6-3. American players Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton, seeded third and fifth respectively, also progressed to the next round, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.

This victory is a significant milestone for Tien, showcasing the growing talent and unpredictability in the tennis circuit. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these young stars and their potential to challenge the established hierarchy.