L. Tien defeated T. Tirante 6-4, 6-4 in Montreal, sealing the match on a strong serving day and well-timed breaks. Tirante fired more aces, but Tien created the key return moments when it mattered.
Tien fell behind immediately as Tirante broke in game 1 of the opener, but he levelled at 2-2 and took the set with a late break in game 10. Tien then broke for 2-0 in the second set, and though Tirante hit back in game 9 at 5-4, Tien answered at once with a decisive break in game 10 to finish it.
Tien's composure on serve stood out: he saved eight of the nine break points he faced and put 75% of first serves in play. That steadiness proved the difference on a day when Tirante's seven aces and stronger break-point conversion kept him close.