Learner Tien delivered a candid assessment of his physical condition after falling to Ben Shelton in the Canadian Open semi-finals, admitting a left arm problem has been troubling him for more than three weeks and shows no sign of disappearing.
Despite losing 6-2, 6-3 to the defending champion in what was otherwise a confidence-building week for the young American, concerns about his health could overshadow his upcoming schedule. Tien, who had visible strapping on his left arm during the Montreal match, conceded the issue is tricky to predict from day to day. Some practice sessions pass without discomfort, he explained, only for the pain to creep back in later, and on certain serves he genuinely fears pushing too hard could make things worse.
Notably, Tien chose to skip doubles competition in Canada specifically to protect the arm, a decision he acknowledged was the right call. He heads to Cincinnati next, where he mentioned he does not expect to play until Sunday, giving him a few days of rest that he hopes will calm things down.
Beyond Cincinnati, the calendar gets demanding fast. Tien is scheduled to partner Amanda Anisimova in US Open mixed doubles before competing in the singles draw the following week. That packed stretch makes managing this injury all the more critical.
For now, Tien is taking things one day at a time, staying cautious but not willing to rule himself out of competition unless doctors tell him playing through the pain risks serious damage. His competitive instinct, he said, always pushes him to be on court regardless of how his body feels.
TennisDraw users have Tien penciled into several deep Cincinnati bracket runs, making his fitness situation one of the most watched storylines of the week.
