Learner Tien pulled off another big win, this time over Corentin Moutet at the Shanghai Masters on October 4. The 19-year-old American has been making waves recently with wins over Lorenzo Musetti and Daniil Medvedev, and today was no different. With this win, he’s through to the third round, where he’ll face fellow left-hander Cam Norrie. But the way he got here? That’s what made everyone, including Coco Gauff’s former coach, sit up and take notice.

Moutet started strong. He grabbed early breaks and took the first set 6-4. Then in the second set, he raced to a 3-0 lead, and for a moment, it looked like Tien might be in trouble. But Learner Tien didn’t panic. Slowly, game by game, he fought his way back, winning four straight to even the match. The tension was building, and the final set promised fireworks. And what a final set it was! Every point mattered, and Tien stayed calm under pressure. A crucial break of serve in the decider allowed him to clinch the set 6-4 and complete a remarkable comeback. But it wasn’t just fans who were impressed.

Even Coco Gauff’s former coach and ex-ATP pro Brad Gilbert took notice. Posting on X, he wrote, “Good effort from Fast learner taking out Moutet in 3 sets, taking full advantage of Escape from Alcaraz pullout in that section, should be interesting 3rd rd lefty battle with Cam Norrie.” Gilbert’s praise highlighted how Tien not only battled brilliantly point by point but also capitalized on the opportunities presented by the draw. And that opportunity came from a twist earlier in the tournament.

That twist? World number one Carlos Alcaraz had to pull out due to a left ankle injury he got at the Japan Open. With Alcaraz out, Moutet had a real chance to move forward, but Tien’s timing stopped him. This win shows Tien’s growing maturity and fighting spirit, and it feels like his best moments might still be ahead. And this wasn’t the first time her trainer had been in awe of what Learner Tien could do on the court.

How Learner Tien is turning heads on the ATP tour

Earlier this year, at the Delray Beach Open, shortly after the 2025 Australian Open, 19-year-old Learner Learner Tien grabbed international attention when he defeated 2024 Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev. Well, there Tien started strong by beating Australia’s Adam Walton 6–4, 6–3 in the first round. In the second round, he faced Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi on February 14, 2025.

It was a close match that went to two tiebreaks, and Tien narrowly lost 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(1). Even in defeat, he impressed with his skill.  At that time, Brad Gilbert, noticed too, posting on X: “Watching fast Learner vs Arnaldi good match so far.” He continued to compliment the forehand of Tien by referencing it as “very sneaky 😈” and the manner in which he hugs the baseline by demonstrating that this ability is not limited only to his few shots.

Learner Tien has been gradually on the ascent since then. Just last month, he was ranked 36 in ATP singles. And after his strong win over Corentin Moutet in the second round of the 2025 Shanghai Masters, he’s set to face fellow left-hander Cam Norrie in the third round. This will be their first meeting since Tien beat Norrie in straight sets at the 2025 Acapulco Open.

Norrie, known for his consistency, will be looking to turn the tables, while Tien is riding high on confidence and momentum. Two left-handed players, both hungry to advance, and a showdown that promises to be exciting from start to finish. Fans are sure to be in for a thrilling contest.