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Can Learner Tien End the Drought in American Men’s Tennis? The 20-year-old rising star has taken the tennis world by storm, quickly climbing the rankings. Now, he has his sights set on making a deep run at Indian Wells. Learner Tien reached a career-high ranking of No. 23 in February, marking a significant leap from his No. 83 position a year earlier. His recent performances have positioned him as a potential contender to end the 23-year drought of American men’s players winning a Grand Slam title. Since Andy Roddick’s U.S. Open victory in 2003, no American man has claimed a major championship, leaving a gap that Tien’s emergence has sparked hope to close. Tien acknowledges the weight of this legacy, even if the pressure isn’t openly discussed among his peers. “Everyone feels it a little bit,” he says. “Everyone would love to be the one that breaks the dry streak of an American slam winner. That’s the goal for all the Americans.” While the conversation isn’t always explicit, the shared ambition is clear. Former U.S. star Sam Querrey, who has followed Tien’s progress for over a decade, highlights the respect he commands. “When you talk to the other Americans, like Ben Shelton and Fritz and Tommy Paul, about Learner Tien, they’re always like, ‘He is so good. He is quietly, like, the best out of all of us,’” Querrey recalls. “I’ve known Learner forever, and always kind of thought, Alright, he’s going to be really good. You could tell he had that little bit of an it factor when he was 11 or 12.” Tien’s rise has been defined by his ability to upset top-ranked players and advance deep into tournaments. In 2025, he made his Australian Open debut, reaching the Round of 16 and defeating world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller. The match, which featured three tiebreaks, marked a breakthrough moment.#learner_tien #andy_roddick #sam_querrey #ben_shelton #alexander_zverev

RISING STAR TIEN IN A GOOD PLACE Learner Tien, the 20-year-old Irvine native, is entering the BNP Paribas Open with renewed confidence after a breakthrough year in 2025. His first appearance at the tournament last year was brief and forgettable, marked by illness and a quick exit in the first round. Now, with a stronger foundation and a more refined game, Tien is aiming to make an impact at his hometown event. Tien’s journey to the ATP Tour has been marked by rapid progress. A standout junior player, he earned a 2022 U.S. Open main draw wild card by winning the USTA boys 18s Nationals at age 16. Transitioning to the professional circuit in 2023, he climbed to a career-high ranking of 27th in 2025, a significant leap from his early days as a teenager struggling to break into the top 100. His cerebral approach to the game and ability to adapt have been key to his development. A pivotal moment in Tien’s career came midway through 2024 when he began working with Michael Chang, the 1989 French Open champion and former coach of Japan’s Kei Nishikori. The collaboration, arranged through Tien’s agent, was delayed for years despite both sharing the Southern California tennis scene. Chang’s guidance has helped Tien refine his all-court game and build mental resilience. “The impact was immediate,” Tien noted, reflecting on the coaching shift. This year, Tien has felt a sense of stability and growth. “So far this year, everything has felt good,” he said, citing improved consistency and confidence on the court. His performance at Indian Wells, a tournament with deep historical ties to his home state, represents a chance to solidify his status as a rising force in men’s tennis. Tien’s path has been shaped by both opportunity and perseverance.#indian_wells #tien #bnp_paribas_open #michael_chang #usta_boys_18s_nationals

Lens vs. Paris SG - April 11, 2026 Paris Saint-Germain aimed to secure a dominant position in the season series as they traveled to Lens for a crucial Ligue 1 encounter. The match, set to take place at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, France, carried significant implications for both teams’ standings and ambitions. With the stakes high, PSG sought to build on their recent form and extend their lead in the league race. The lineup for PSG faced some challenges as injuries impacted their preparations. Mayulu, a key player, was ruled out of the match due to a calf injury, leaving the team to adjust their tactical approach. Meanwhile, Dembele, who had been sidelined earlier in the season, returned to full training on Wednesday and was expected to be available for the upcoming clash against Monaco. This development provided some optimism for PSG’s prospects in the coming weeks. The match against Lens was not just a test of strength but also a chance for PSG to assert their dominance in the league. Lens, on the other hand, would be looking to capitalize on any weaknesses in the visiting squad and secure a vital point. The game promised to be a tactical battle, with both teams vying for control of the midfield and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. As the teams prepared for the encounter, the focus remained on the implications of the result. A win for PSG would bolster their confidence and reinforce their position at the top of the table, while a draw or loss could open the door for other contenders to close the gap. The match was expected to draw a large crowd, with fans eager to witness a high-stakes showdown between two of Ligue 1’s most competitive clubs.#ligue_1 #paris_saint_germain #lens #stade_bollaert_delelis #monaco

Ousmane Dembélé returns to Paris Saint-Germain's lineup for the Ligue 1 clash against AS Monaco Ousmane Dembélé has been named in Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for its Ligue 1 match against AS Monaco on Friday, marking his return from a calf injury that had sidelined him for the previous three games. The Ballon d’Or winner limped off during the first half of the Champions League playoff tie against Monaco three weeks ago, prompting concerns about his availability for the upcoming fixture. Dembélé’s absence had disrupted PSG’s attacking options, as the team relied on other forwards to fill the gap. Coach Luis Enrique confirmed his inclusion in the squad but did not specify whether the player would start the game. The decision reflects the manager’s cautious approach, balancing the need to manage Dembélé’s fitness with the tactical requirements of the match. The match against Monaco is part of a busy schedule for PSG, which also faces a Champions League round-of-16 first-leg encounter against Chelsea at Parc des Princes next Wednesday. The club’s focus will likely shift between domestic and European competitions, with both fixtures carrying significant implications for their season. Dembélé’s return adds depth to PSG’s attacking options, though the team will need to ensure his fitness is fully restored to avoid setbacks. The manager’s choice to include him in the squad suggests confidence in his ability to contribute, but the final decision on his starting role will depend on his readiness and the team’s tactical plans. The Ligue 1 matchup against Monaco will test PSG’s ability to maintain consistency, especially with key players like Dembélé navigating injury concerns.#ousmane_dembl #paris_saint_germain #as_monaco #ligue_1 #champions_league

Former 'Below Deck' star Emile Kotze has filed a federal lawsuit against NBCUniversal and the show’s producers, alleging a hostile work environment marked by sexual harassment, manipulation, and unsafe conditions. The lawsuit, filed in New York in October 2025, claims Kotze was coerced into a romantic entanglement with castmate Raquel “Rocky” Dakota despite his expressed reluctance. Kotze, who appeared on season 3 of the Bravo reality show in 2015, alleges producers orchestrated situations to push him into a relationship with Dakota. The amended complaint states that producers arranged for Kotze and Dakota to work together frequently and scheduled them alone on night shifts while cameras were rolling. One incident involved a producer instructing Kotze to use a specific, cheesy pickup line on Dakota during filming, a scenario he claims he would never have initiated on his own. The allegations extend beyond on-camera interactions. Kotze claims producers continued to pressure him after filming ended, editing footage to portray him in a false light and misusing his likeness for commercial gain without consent. He also accuses the defendants of engaging in a cover-up and retaliation campaign to silence him after he sought legal action. Kotze is seeking damages totaling between $633 million and $850 million, citing significant financial and emotional harm. The lawsuit estimates $123 million in lost future earnings due to the destruction of his yachting career and demands at least $10 million for emotional distress. Punitive damages are requested at $500 million, reflecting NBCUniversal’s alleged wealth. The lawsuit was filed a decade after Kotze’s appearance on the show, citing “new evidence and recent developments” as justification.#below_deck #nbcuniversal #emile_kotze #raquel_rocky_dakota #bravo

"Below Deck" Alum Sues Network for $633M Over Alleged Sexual Harassment A former cast member of the reality TV show "Below Deck" has filed an amended federal lawsuit against NBCUniversal, alleging sexual harassment and seeking $633 million in damages. Emile Kotze, 34, claims he was subjected to a hostile work environment during his time on the show, which aired in 2015. According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Kotze alleges the network’s producers created a “romantic entanglement” between him and co-star Raquel “Rocky” Dakota, while also exposing him to “sexual harassment, manipulation, and dangerous conditions.” Kotze’s lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York in October 2025, accuses NBCUniversal of failing to protect him from abuse, defaming him, and misappropriating his likeness. He also alleges the network engaged in a “cover-up and retaliation campaign” to silence him after he sought legal redress. The lawsuit further claims that Season 3 of the show was edited to falsely portray Kotze as “misogynistic” and “immature,” damaging his reputation. The former yachting professional asserts that his career was “destroyed” by the network’s actions, resulting in an estimated $123 million in lost future earnings. He also seeks compensation for medical and psychological treatment costs, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as $10 million in compensatory damages. NBCUniversal has responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the claims are barred by the statute of limitations since the complaint was filed 10 years after the show’s original airing. The network also cited the First Amendment, stating that the government cannot dictate what content is published or spoken. A representative for NBCUniversal did not immediately comment on the matter.#below_deck #nbcuniversal #emile_kotze #raquel_rocky_dakota #season_3

Ella Seidel vs. Anastasia Zakharova Prediction, Odds to Win BNP Paribas Open The BNP Paribas Open will feature a Round of 128 matchup between Ella Seidel, ranked No. 83, and Anastasia Zakharova, ranked No. 86, on Wednesday, March 4. Zakharova is the favorite to advance to the Round of 64, with odds of -150 to win the match, while Seidel is listed at +115. The contest will take place on a hard court surface as part of the tournament’s early rounds. Zakharova’s odds reflect her slight edge in the matchup, based on the implied probability derived from the moneyline. The betting market suggests Seidel has a 60.0% chance to win, while Zakharova is expected to secure a victory at 55.0%. The odds are current as of Wednesday at 2:36 PM ET and are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. Zakharova’s recent performance on hard courts highlights her strengths in this surface. She has converted 45.6% of her break-point opportunities (141 out of 309) this season, ranking her 19th in this category. Her service game has been particularly effective, with a 64.5% winning percentage, while her return game has yielded a 37.0% success rate. Despite these numbers, Zakharova has not claimed a title on hard courts in the past 12 months, maintaining a 19-17 record on this surface. Seidel’s hard-court performance has been mixed but shows promise. She has converted 47.7% of her break-point chances (135 of 283) over the past year, slightly below Zakharova’s rate. Her service game has been strong, with a 67.7% winning percentage, while her return game has been less consistent, at 34.4%. In 12 hard-court tournaments this year, Seidel has a 23-13 record, indicating she has the potential to compete in this matchup. Zakharova’s most recent tournament appearance was at the ATX Open, where she faced No.#anastasia_zakharova #ella_seidel #bnparibas_open #betmgm_sportsbook #hard_court

Emma Raducanu Seeks First Win at Indian Wells Since 2024 in Opener Against Anastasia Zakharova Emma Raducanu is set to return to the WTA Indian Wells tournament in 2026, aiming to secure her first victory at the event since 2024. The British player will face qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in her opening match, a contest that carries significance as Raducanu looks to regain momentum after a challenging start to the season. Zakharova, who advanced through the qualifying rounds, will be the underdog in this encounter, though she brings confidence from her recent success. The match is scheduled to take place on Stadium 4 at 11 a.m. local time (7 p.m. GMT), with live coverage available via Sky/Now TV. The tournament, held in Indian Wells, USA, offers a prize pool of $61,865 for the qualifying round, highlighting the competitive nature of the event. Raducanu, seeded for the tournament, will begin her campaign in the second round, where she faces Zakharova, a qualifier with a strong record in lower-tier events. Head-to-head statistics reveal Zakharova holds a slight edge in their previous encounters, with a 1-0 record in ITF matches. However, Raducanu’s recent performance in 2026 suggests she may have the upper hand. In their latest head-to-head comparison, Raducanu leads in key metrics such as first-serve return points won (41.1% vs. 34.9%) and break point conversion (56.1% vs. 36.7%). These figures indicate Raducanu’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, a critical factor in high-stakes matches. Both players are aggressive baseliners, relying on powerful groundstrokes and solid backhands. Raducanu’s first-strike approach contrasts with Zakharova’s preference for long rallies from the back of the court.#emma_raducanu #anastasia_zakharova #wta_indian_wells #stadium_4 #qualifying_round

Emma Raducanu vs Anastasia Zakharova: Score and Updates from Indian Wells Emma Raducanu displayed strong form during her match against Anastasia Zakharova at the Indian Wells tournament. The first set saw Raducanu dominate, winning 6-1. Her powerful serves and precise groundstrokes disrupted Zakharova’s rhythm, with Raducanu securing key break points and maintaining control throughout. Zakharova struggled to adapt, often hitting long forehands and failing to capitalize on opportunities. Raducanu’s ability to return serves effectively and her aggressive baseline play left Zakharova on the back foot, allowing the British player to take the first set comfortably. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Raducanu continuing to assert her dominance. She maintained her composure under pressure, converting multiple break points and holding her serve with authority. Zakharova, despite her efforts to rally, found herself unable to match Raducanu’s pace and precision. Raducanu’s wide serves to the deuce side proved particularly effective, forcing Zakharova into errors. The Russian player’s serve, however, became a point of frustration, with its slow delivery and excessive ball-bounces drawing criticism from commentators. Zakharova’s attempts to counter Raducanu’s strength were met with mixed results, as the Briton’s consistent ball striking kept Zakharova guessing. Raducanu’s performance was further highlighted by her use of a new baby blue Uniqlo kit, which she debuted during the match. The outfit, paired with her trademark confidence on the court, added a stylish touch to her already formidable presence. Her ability to stay focused and execute her game plan under pressure underscored her readiness for high-stakes competition.#tennis #emma_raducanu #anastasia_zakharova #indian_wells #uniqlo