Top seed Learner Tien bounced back from losing his opening match at the Next Gen ATP Finals by defeating Martin Landaluce in four sets on Thursday.

World number 28 Tien suffered a shock defeat to Rafael Jodar on Wednesday, but he got back to winning ways against another Spaniard in Landaluce, triumphing 1-4 4-1 4-3 (7-4) 4-3 (7-2).

Tien failed to convert four match points in the penultimate game of the fourth set, with Landaluce standing firm to force a second tie-break.

Landaluce, who had earlier provoked gasps with one stunning passing shot from the back-right corner of the court, was just unable to keep up from there, with Tien getting back to an even record with his victory.

He will face Nicolai Budkov Kjaer – who defeated Jodar in four sets on Thursday – in his final Blue Group match on Friday, with qualification for the semi-finals on the line.

In the Red Group, Alexander Blockx boasts a 2-0 record after beating Nishesh Basavareddy in his second match, though the American remains second in the standings, just ahead of Dino Prizmic, who overcame Justin Engel.

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— Next Gen ATP Finals (@nextgenfinals) December 18, 2025

Data Debrief: Tien survives Landaluce's flurry

Tien was made to work for his victory, having registered just three aces to Landaluce's eight, though his opponent produced three double faults to his zero. 

But while Landaluce was rapid on serve, Tien was more accurate. He won 83% (39/47) of his first serve, marginally better than the Spaniard's 79% (33/42), though that fine margin perhaps proved key in deciding the match.