Who is Learner Tien, the rising American tennis star?

The likes of Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe have been the stars of men’s American tennis of late, but teenager Learner Tien could prove to be one to keep an eye on in coming years after his 2025 Australian Open exploits, particularly against Daniil Medvedev.

In a major second-round upset on Thursday, Tien beat Medvedev in a marathon clash on Margaret Court Arena, winning a fifth-set super tie-break to oust the three-time Australian Open finalist.

Tien, 19, already had some Grand Slam experience going into the first major of the year in Melbourne, having taken part in the men singles in the US Open in 2022, 2023 and 2024. However, he lost in the first round on each occasion at Flushing Meadows.

Tien shocks Medvedev at 2025 Australian Open

The qualifier will forever remember his victory over Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli in Australia, his first ever in a Grand Slam. Little was expected of Tien in his second round game against fifth seed Medvedev, the No. 5 seed and 2021 US Open champion. Yet the US youngster causing an almighty shock against the Russian. Having taken the first two sets, Tien then survived a Medvedev fightback to claim a stunning victory in the deciding set.

Learner Tien: background, career, world ranking...

Born in Irvine, Californian to Vietnamese parents, the left-hander won his first ever tennis tournament at the age of five (in 2011, just to make you feel old). A beaten finalist in Junior Grand Slams in the Australian and US Opens in 2023, his victory in the 2022 USTA Boys 18s National Championship earned him a spot in the main men’s draw in New York the same year.

In 2024, Tien, who revealed he was named ‘Learner’ because of his mother’s profession as a teacher, won his first three Challenger titles, becoming the fourth American to achieve that feat before turning 19 (after Andy Roddick, Sam Querrey and Fritz).

His success on the ATP Challenger Tour, the secondary men’s professional circuit, saw him rise to 114th in the world rankings in November last year, from where he has since dropped down to 121st.

Tien’s performance at the Australian Open, however, will give him a significant rankings boost. The extent of it will only be determined once his run comes to an end.

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