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Nineteen-year-old Learner Tien has been one of the breakout stars of the Australian Open 2025. The young American came through the qualifying rounds to book his place in the main draw. He made a winning debut at the tournament with a five-set win over Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the first round. It was also his maiden win at the Majors.
Many considered Tien's journey would come to an end in the second round, as he was up against World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, thrice a runner-up in Melbourne. However, he showed his mettle once again with another gritty five-set victory and then beat Corentin Moutet in straight sets to reach the fourth round.
Tien became the youngest player to advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open since Rafael Nadal in 2005. He will take on Lorenzo Sonego for a spot in the quarterfinal on Monday (January 20).
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He will make his top 100 debut, thanks to his run, when the rankings are updated after the end of the tournament. If he wins his next match, he will guarantee himself a spot in the top 70. As Tien's popularity continues to soar, here's a look at some relatively unknown facts about him:
#5 - Learner Tien and his sister are named after their parents' professions
Khuong and Huyen Tien moved to Irvine, California in the aftermath of the Vietnam war. Hoping to make it big in their newfound home, the two worked hard and found considerable success.
Tien's father, Khuong, is an attorney, while his mother, Huyen, is a school teacher. When they decided to expand their family, they named their children in a homage to their respective careers. His elder sister is named Justice as a tribute to his father's legal profession, while Tien's name is an homage to his mother's role as an educator.
#4 - Learner Tien came close to winning the junior singles title at the Australian Open
Tien's parents were instrumental in introducing him to the sport as both played tennis recreationally. They would all play together at the community courts, and this early head start helped him win his first title at the Racquet Club of Irvine when he was just five.
Tien's development was managed by his father throughout his childhood until he joined the USTA player development program when he was around 11. As a junior, he finished as the runner-up at the Australian Open 2023 in singles. However, he captured the doubles title to make up for his loss in singles. He reached the boys' singles final at the US Open later that year as well.
#3 - Learner Tien is good friends with his fellow American next gen players Alex Michelsen and Nishesh Basavareddy
Tien isn't the only American youngster on the rise. His compatriots Michelsen and Basavareddy are also making waves on the ATP Tour. Michelsen has also reached the fourth round of the Australian Open,, while Basavareddy lost to Novak Djokovic in the first round. He did reach the semifinals of the ASB Classic prior to that.
All three grew up in California, and once they committed to tennis full time, their paths intertwined quite often. The trio will aim to follow in the footsteps of their older compatriots, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe, who are currently the leaders of men's tennis in America.
#2 - Learner Tien's favorite tournament is the Indian Wells Masters
Being a native of California, it's hardly surprising that the Indian Wells Masters is Tien's favorite tournament on the ATP Tour. It's one of the most prestigious tournaments on the men's circuit and is also referred to as the fifth Slam.
Tien contested the qualifying rounds of the Indian Wells Masters in 2023 and went down to Cristian Garin in two competitive sets. He didn't participate in 2024, and given his massive jump in the rankings following his Australian Open run, he's likely to make his main draw debut this year at his favorite tournament.
#1 - Learner Tien credits Carlos Alcaraz as an inspiration
Alcaraz won his maiden Major title at the US Open 2022 to ascend to the top of the rankings. He has won three more Major titles since then along with other accolades, and he's just 21.
Tien is two years younger than Alcaraz, and seeing someone from his age group breaking so many barriers at a young age has inspired him as well. The Spaniard's meteoric rise to the top of the game lit a fire in Tien to perform better as well. Now that he's going to be a regular fixture on the ATP Tour, the American could soon get a chance to test himself against one of his idols.
