Remember the name Learner Tien, the teenage sensation who stunned Daniil Medvedev at this year’s AO? That breakout moment turned heads across the tennis world, and now, as the 2025 Roland Garros takes center stage, the American prodigy is back under the spotlight. With his crafty left-handed play and tactical brilliance, the 19-year-old is quickly carving out a place among the sport’s rising stars. The buzz only intensifies now as he kicks off his 2nd Slam of the year with a thrilling 1st-round clash against Alexander Zverev: a blockbuster showdown set to electrify Roland Garros and captivate fans worldwide!

Born on December 2, 2005, in Irvine, California, Tien is quickly emerging as one of tennis’s brightest young stars from the US. Tien’s journey began at the Racquet Club of Irvine, where he won his very first tournament. 

His early success came not just from talent but from a supportive family environment that emphasized growth over results. His Vietnamese parents, Khuong Dan Tien, a real estate lawyer, and Huyen Tien, a math teacher, nurtured his love for the game. In fact, they introduced him to the game when he was just 1.5 years old, having named him ‘Learner’ in honor of Huyen’s profession. 

Tien’s career officially took off when he turned pro in November 2023, after attending the University of Southern California. Since then, he’s gained momentum with performances that have wowed fans and rattled seasoned opponents. While he hasn’t claimed an ATP title yet, he made waves at the 2025 AO, advancing to the 4th round. He also pulled off a stunning win over 2nd Alexander Zverev at the 2025 Mexican Open. 

Currently ranked 67th, with a career high of 66th achieved in March 2025, consistency and resilience have marked Tien’s ATP journey. His stats reflect a player built for the long haul as well, standing 5’11”, weighing 160 lbs, and playing a strategic left-handed, 2-handed backhand game from the baseline. 

With an ATP main draw win-loss record of 12–17, Tien may have a lot to work upon, but his career is still in its early days, and he has gained quite some traction on tour while earning approximately $1.2 million in career prize money to date.

He reached the boys’ singles finals at the 2023 AO and US Open and clinched a junior doubles title at the AO. While details about his endorsement deals are not known at this time, a report by Sports Digest claims that his net worth was around $2 million as of April 2025. 

Now under the guidance of coaches Eric Diaz and Jay Leavitt, he continues to sharpen his game, training primarily in the US with occasional sessions in Europe. As he competes at the 2025 Roland Garros, sportscasters highlight his name alongside rising teenage sensations, including the Brazilian João Fonseca. 

Yet, for all the growing fame, Tien stays grounded as his foundation, firmly built by the unwavering support of his parents, who have stood by him in every win and loss.

Learner Tien comments on his parents’ role in his career

Learner Tien’s 2025 season, till now, has been nothing short of remarkable. The 19-year-old ATP ace made a stunning impression at the AO, securing his 1st GS victory and becoming the youngest man since Rafael Nadal in 2005 to reach the 4th round. Along the way, he claimed his 1st Top 10 win by defeating Daniil Medvedev, a breakthrough that catapulted him into the global spotlight.

His passion for tennis was ignited on local courts in Irvine, California, where Tien trained with his father. That early foundation shaped his balanced approach and competitive edge. Despite the rising fame, the American remains deeply appreciative of his roots. “I started when I was little older than one,” the American told the Guardian. “I think [it was] one of my dad’s old rackets that were lying around. So they didn’t really even expect for me or my sister to start playing tennis that young. So it’s not like they were prepped with little kiddy rackets or anything.”

Reflecting on how it all began, Tien added, “My parents would play recreationally. I got to the courts a couple times a week, just with my dad, just watching him play in random men’s leagues. So that’s kind of how I got introduced. Eventually my dad started taking me to the courts, randomly feeding me balls from a pretty young age, and then it kind of just progressed from there on.”

Now, he prepares for a blockbuster showdown on Court Suzanne Lenglen, facing 3rd ranked seed Alexander Zverev, a thrilling rematch of their Mexican Open encounter. Will he rise to the challenge again? What do you think?