Learner Tien admits he has a “nagging” physical issue following his straight-sets defeat to Ben Shelton in the Canadian Open semi-finals.
After winning both of their first two meetings, Tien would have gone into this encounter with a good deal of confidence but ended up losing 6-2, 6-3 on Wednesday.
While this was a morale-boosting week for the 20-year-old after a string of poor results, there may be cause for concern for the left-hander.
The American had strapping on his left arm against the defending champion and heading into Cincinnati; that physical ailment does not seem to be going away.
He said in his post-match press conference, “I’ve been trying to manage it [the arm issue] for maybe longer than three weeks. It’s kind of just always been there. I was supposed to play doubles this week. I ended up not playing, which is good for me.
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“It’s just kind of been nagging at me. Sometimes I warm up and I don’t really feel it, and then towards the end of practice I start to feel it. And then sometimes I feel like if I really go for a serve, like something bad will happen.
“And I’ve been doing my best just to manage it, and but it’s been irritating and it’s just kind of been there. I’ve kind of found a way to play through it this week, but it’s not ideal I’d say.”
Tien struck an uncertain tone on the severity of the issue and how it will shape his schedule going forward. On top of Cincinnati, the youngster is scheduled to play in the US Open mixed doubles with Amanda Anisimova, before competing in the singles the following week.
When asked about his next steps, Tien replied, “I don’t know. I think if it’s something that isn’t serious, that I won’t injure it further, if I play through it, I mean, I love to play.
“I mean, I always do just try to go out and play no matter how I’m feeling. That’s just kind of how I am. I always to finish matches; I always want to play matches, whether something is hurting or not. So I’m always going to go out and play, if I’m able to, if something bad won’t happen if I play through it.
“I’m going to take a couple days off now. I don’t think I play till Sunday in Cincy. I’ve kind of just been managing it the last few weeks, and I think a couple days off will be good for it.”
Tien may not have been at 100% for the Shelton clash. But the American No 3, who is now at a career-high ranking of 13, made it clear he will do whatever it takes to be out on the court.
Asked if he was close to not being able to play against his compatriot, he said, “No. I think I’ll always finish the match, if I’m able to. I’ll always play. I’ll always finish the match. Today was a big match, and I’m never not going to play these matches or never not going to pull out of these matches.
“If I have to serve underhand every point, I still would have stayed out there playing. But I think that’s just kind of how I am, and when I have the opportunity to play, I’m always go to play if I can.”
If he does pull out, questions will once again be asked about the gruelling schedule and the two-week Masters 1000 events.
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