Learner Tien defeated Nuno Borges 7–6 6–4 6–2 in the second round of the Australian Open on hard court on 23 January 2026, confirming his status as the pre-match favourite with odds of 1.42 to Borges' 2.82. Tien controlled the match throughout, taking a competitive opening set via tiebreak before accelerating in the second and third frames to secure a comprehensive victory. The American's composed performance against the Portuguese opponent demonstrated the consistency required at Grand Slam level. Tien advances to the third round with momentum building in Melbourne.