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Learner Tien defeated close friend Alex Michelsen to reach the NextGen ATP Finals title match on Saturday but admitted he “hated” having to face his American compatriot.

The 19-year-old left-hander, ranked at 122 in the world, came through 2-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, 4-1 in a semi-final which boasted tennis legend Rafael Nadal amongst the spectators.

“I can’t put it into words right now,” said Tien who hit 21 winners past the 41st-ranked Michelsen.

“I am really happy with the win but I hate it was against him, but that is just how it goes. I started smiling when I came out here and saw him on the other side of the net, but I am really happy to get through and think I played really well.”

Tien will face either Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, the lowest-ranked player in the draw at 145, or France’s Luca Van Assche in Sunday’s final.

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