Learner Tien, the rising American tennis star and 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, is making impressive strides on the ATP Tour. Currently ranked No. 121 in the PIF ATP Rankings, the 20-year-old lefty began his journey at the Australian Open’s qualifying rounds. In a tense first-round match against Gregoire Barrere, Tien showcased resilience by overcoming a second-set tie-break, setting the stage for what would become a breakout tournament.
Just two weeks later, Tien catapulted into the spotlight by reaching the fourth round of the main draw. His highlight was a stunning five-set victory over former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, showing he could stand toe-to-toe with the sport’s elite. A year prior, Medvedev was on the brink of winning the Australian Open, but against Tien, he found himself challenged by a determined and skilled young player.
Tien’s successful run at Melbourne was no fluke; he has proven himself capable on the ATP Tour by securing victories against top-ranked players, boasting a record of 5-4 against Top-10 competition. Recently, he reached a career-high ranking of No. 26, marking a significant milestone in his young career. With the chance to face Medvedev again under similar conditions, Tien expressed how much he has evolved both personally and as a player over the past year.
Reflecting on his maturation, Tien remarked, “Much different circumstances this year than last year… I think just being on my own a lot more for the past year I’ve become a lot more independent.” His experience thus far has instilled a sense of normalization in this extraordinary life he leads, far removed from the collegiate life he could have been living at the University of Southern California.
The fourth-round achievement at the Australian Open served as a milestone, and Tien feels more grounded in his identity as a professional. His collaboration with former World No. 2 Michael Chang as his coach has also contributed significantly to his development. Tien noted that while he believes he is a better player now, he still retains his core playing style.
Having grown up training alongside established players such as Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson, Tien has always been in close proximity to high-level tennis. Querrey recalls hitting with Tien from a young age, noting the striking skills and maturity he exhibited even as a pre-teen. Tien’s positivity and dedication have impressed his peers, with Johnson highlighting his exceptional work ethic and ability to absorb lessons.
As Tien continues to cement his place in the world of professional tennis, expectations grow alongside his burgeoning talent. With dedication and continual improvement, many believe the sky is truly the limit for this young athlete, and the tennis community is eager to see how his journey unfolds in the coming years.