Nineteen-year-old qualifier Learner Tien created the biggest upset by eliminating last year's runner-up Daniil Medvedev in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open. Playing for four hours and 49 minutes with final scorelines of 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (8), 1-6, and 7-6 (10-7), Tien became the youngest American after Pete Sampras in 1990 to reach a major third round. With the win, he will break into the top 100 rankings. He lost to Joao Fonseca in the final of the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals.
Tien won three ATP Challenger titles before turning 19th, thus becoming the fourth player in a row after Taylor Fritz and Sam Querrey. He lifted his first Challenger title at the 2024 Cranbrook Tennis Classic, defeating Nishesh Basavareddy by 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Tien reached his maiden ATP quarterfinal at the 2024 Winston-Salem Open, defeating Fabian Marozsan and Thiago Seyboth Wild. He finished runner-up at the 2024 Knoxville Challenger, where he lost to Christopher Eubanks. Tien is a left-handed player who played college tennis for the University of Southern California.
Who are Learner Tien's parents?
Khuong Dan Tien and Huyen Tien are the parents of Learner Tien. His parents played tennis for recreational purposes and introduced their son to tennis. Tien picked up his tennis racket when he was just one and a half years old. He won his maiden tennis tournament at the Racquet Club in Irvine when he was five.
During his post-match interview, he said:
"I don't know if my parents are still watching. ... I love you guys. Thank you for always supporting me from across the world. I know you guys wish you could be here. I wish you could be here, too."
Despite earning success in the sport, he did not pursue tennis seriously as he was unsure about his future in the sport. His parents supported his decision not to play tennis. Tien eventually felt enjoyment in playing the support and committed to developing a professional career. During an interview with the LA Times, Learner Tien's father Khuong Dan Tien said:
"We never thought much about it other than, 'Gosh, he was really good. It's a bit of a shame that he doesn't enjoy it as much as you would think his talent would cause him to enjoy it.'"
Who is Learner Tien's father?
Khuong Dan Tien is the father of Learner Tien. He works as a real estate lawyer in Garden Grove. Tien played under the mentorship of his father till the age of 10 or 11 years until he joined the USTA development program. At the age of 14, he competed in the World Junior Championship for the USA.
Who is Learner Tien's mother?
Huyen Tien is the mother of Learner Tien. She is a math school teacher in Anaheim.
What nationality are Learner Tien's parents?
Both Learner Tien's parents are of Vietnamese nationality.
Learner Tien Siblings
Justice Tien is the younger sister of Learner Tien. Khuong Dan Tien told the LA Times that while their son's first name is inspired by his mother's profession, his daughter's first name draws inspiration from his career as a real estate lawyer.
FAQs on Learner Tien
A. Indiana Wells is Learner Tien's favourite tennis tournament.
A. Learner Tien idolizes tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz by watching him play the sport.
A. According to the data released by the ATP official website, as of January 2025, Learner Tien had won $729,484 as prize money.
A. Learner Tien was born in Irvine, California, USA.
A. As of January 2025, Learner Tien is 19 years old and was born on December 2, 2005.
