JEDDAH: Learner Tien set-up an all-American last-four clash against close friend Alex Michelsen at the NextGen ATP Finals on Friday by knocking out top seed and 2023 runner-up Arthur Fils.

The 19-year-old Tien, who has risen to 122 in the world after starting the year at a lowly 453, shocked his 20th-ranked French opponent 4-2, 4-2, 3-4 (4-7), 4-3 (7-5).

`I thought I played really well today. It was great to rebound and have a good match after getting chopped by Joao Fonseca yesterday, said Tien who avenged a loss to Fils in the first round of the US Open in August.

Michelsen wrapped up his group commitments with a third successive victory when China`s Shang Juncheng retired from their clash in the second set.

He then watched Tien defeat Fils from the player`s box, turning around and pointing at the back of his sweatshirt, which read `Victory Royale` a phrase used in the video game Fortnite when a player is the last one standing.

`We play Fortnite a lot together, so it`s kind of a joke,` explained Tien. `Our agent got us tracksuits that say that on the back. We both got different colours.

France`s Luca Van Assche claimed the remaining semi-final spot by seeing off Nishesh Basavareddy of the United States 3-4 (2-7), 4-3 (9-7), 4-2, 4-2.

Van Assche will face Brazilian 18-year-old Fonseca, the lowest ranked player in the eightman tournament, in Saturday`s semi-finals.

`It was very, very close. I think I played at a good level. The start was tough but then I managed to play better,` Van Assche said.

`I managed my emotions well, especially when my head was exploding. I like to thank the public here because it was busy and they were cheering for me a lot. I am ready for the semifinals.

Fonesca went 3-0 in the group stages by seeing off third-seed Jakub Mensik in five sets.-AFP