Tommy Paul denies Learner Tien, reaches Delray Beach final | ATP Tour

Delray Seaside

Paul denies Tien, reaches Delray Seaside closing

The 28-year-old saves six break factors in decider; meets Korda in closing

February 22, 2026

Tommy Paul rallied previous Learner Tien in an all-American semi-final Saturday on the Delray Beach Open to proceed his quest for a fifth ATP Tour trophy. Paul, eight years Tien’s senior, overcame the lefty 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

In a high-quality tussle, Paul showcased excellent courtroom protection and seized management of prolonged rallies, highlighted by an 18-shot alternate he gained to earn set level within the second set.

The 28-year-old rode his momentum from there, racing to a 3-0 lead within the decider. Paul survived a 10-minute service maintain at 3-1, saving 4 break factors in that sport. He fended off one other break level at 4-2, ending the purpose at internet, and located a forehand winner when going through break level at 5-3. Paul saved six break factors within the third set, in line with Infosys ATP Stats, to achieve the Delray Seaside closing for the second time (2024).

“He clearly was enjoying superb tennis within the first set,” Paul stated of Tien. “I used to be actually struggling to stick with him. I felt like he was doing every part slightly bit higher than me, however I knew I needed to combine issues up and attempt to change the rhythm — get to internet slightly bit extra, slice slightly bit extra. I assumed I did a terrific job switching it up, serve and volleying a bit.

“Second time within the closing right here in Delray, so I’m actually excited for the match tomorrow.”

Along with his two-hour, 14-minute victory, Paul ended his five-match skid in tour-level semi-finals since profitable the ATP 250 in Stockholm in 2024.

Paul entered the week at No. 24 within the PIF ATP Rankings, only one spot under Tien, whom he was going through for the primary time. He’ll subsequent look to enhance upon his 2-4 Lexus ATP Head2Head report towards countryman Sebastian Korda.

The 25-year-old Korda reached his first ATP Tour closing in additional than a 12 months by defeating third seed Flavio Cobolli 7-6(1), 6-1. Korda hit 12 aces and gained 82 per cent of his second-serve factors to keep away from bother towards the Italian. He didn’t face a break level within the 76-minute conflict.

“I feel it was a terrific match. I feel I served fairly nicely. I did not have too many stress conditions on my serve, and that opens up the returns,” Korda stated. “I feel I performed a terrific tie-breaker, after which after that, I simply began feeling the ball slightly bit higher, returning slightly higher and put some stress on him.” 

The Delray Seaside ATP 250 occasion has all the time been a cheerful looking floor for Korda, who now owns a 10-2 match report, in line with the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The American made the ultimate in 2021, falling brief to Hubert Hurkacz. Korda will attempt to go one step additional in all-American closing.

“That is the place you need to be, particularly right here within the States,” Korda stated. “You need these American finals, and it is positively going to be an American closing, so it will be thrilling for certain.”