Learner Tien isn’t applying too much pressure on himself after his stellar run at the Australian Open came to an end on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old is the youngest American man to reach their maiden Grand Slam quarter-final since Andy Roddick in 2001. Perhaps the most impressive win of his latest run was against Daniil Medvedev, who he beat in straight sets and at one stage won 11 games in a row. He is the first player to bagel the Russian at a major event.
The rising star’s breakthrough run was ended by Alexander Zverev, who prevailed in four sets in their quarter-final clash. Tien was playing in the main draw of a major for only the eighth time in his career. In contrast, Zverev is making his 40th appearance.
“I’m super happy with how I played all week. Match by match I just got a little bit better. So super happy with how I was kind of progressing through the tournament.” He said.
Tien’s run follows his breakout 2025 season that saw him rise in the rankings from outside the top 100 to inside the top 30. In the live rankings, he’s currently in 24th position. Jakub Mensik is the only player at the same age as him who is ranked higher.
“I don’t think about it too much,” Tien replied when asked about dealing with expectations from others.
“I don’t feel like a weight on my shoulder by any means. I’m very fortunate to be in the position that I’m in, and I think I lead a pretty special life that a lot of people don’t get to live.
“I think it’s great just to go around and travel and play tennis. I just enjoy that as much as I can.”
It isn’t easy to stay grounded for Tien, considering how much potential he has. He already has six wins over top-10 players, an ATP 250 title and was runner-up at an ATP 500 event.
“My serve can improve. I think a lot of things can improve. I think all-around I can still get better in a lot of areas,” he explained.
“Physically, I wouldn’t say I’m close to where I hope to be one day either, but I think weeks like this are good to test myself. I get a lot of takeaways from winning and losing these matches.
“It just really sets me up to come back, come back and be even better the next time I play.”
The youngster has generated plenty of compliments from his peers on the Tour. He is coached by Michael Chang, who won the 1989 French Open before venturing into coaching. His other mentor is Erik Kortland.
“I felt like there was not really a spot on the court where you could just put the ball there and restart the rally, which was quite impressive. It wasn’t the case last year, so he has improved a lot in that regard.” Zverev said of Tien.
“I have to give credit to Michael Chang. I think what he is doing with him is phenomenal. He’s a hell of a player right now.”
Tien’s win-loss record on the ATP Tour currently stands at 47-32.
