Learner Tien Faces Veteran Marin Cilic in Dallas Open Opener

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On February 10, 2026, sixth seed Learner Tien will meet former US Open champion Marin Cilic in the first round of the Dallas Open, an ATP 500 event on indoor hard courts. This will be the first career meeting between the two players as they compete for a share of the $2,833,335 prize pool.

Why it matters

The match features a clash between a rising young talent in Tien, who reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open, and the veteran Cilic, a former major champion looking to regain his top form. The outcome could provide insights into the future of men's tennis as the next generation challenges the established stars.

The details

Tien, 22, is coming off a strong start to the 2026 season, including a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open where he defeated several top players. Cilic, 37, has struggled against top 30 opponents recently, holding a 4-10 record since early 2025. Analysts expect an engaging match featuring at least 20 games and a tiebreak.

• The Dallas Open is being held February 10-16, 2026 at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas.

What’s next

The winner of this first-round match will advance to face either Jenson Brooksby or Borna Coric in the second round.