Medvedev has been beaten by Tien in their two encounters this season having retired in their previous match, the semi-final of the Chinese Open, last week because of cramp. He heaped praise on the young American who many are tipping to be a top player in the future.
“I think the toughest part was that we played two times before, and in my opinion he is an unbelievable player, because he doesn’t have a great serve and serve is so important in tennis,” Medvedev added.
“Without the serve, he is 19 years old and 30-something in the world [he is ranked 36th] and only going up. In my opinion he is such a good tennis player. There are so many guys now who hit every shot full power and an amazing serve, he does not have it, but he manages to play so good without it. I thought I was going to lose again.”
The former world No 1 will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the last eight.
