LearnerTien

Learner Tien has a striking name, one inspired by his mother's profession: a teacher. His sister, Justice, was likewise inspired by their father's job as an attorney. Learner began tennis as a toddler, winning his first tournament at just 5 years old at the Racquet Club of Irvine. His father coached him until he was around 10, at which point he joined the USTA player development program. He won the USTA Boys' 18s National Championships consecutively at ages 16 and 17, a major stepping stone for his career. This victory earned him a wildcard for the 2022 US Open, marking his Grand Slam debut. Taking inspiration from Carlos Alcaraz, a fellow teenage rising tennis star, Learner began pursuing a pro tennis career of his own. After turning pro in 2023, Tien would win his first Challenger title at the 2024 Cranbrook Tennis Classic, followed by a second in Las Vegas, ending the year in the top 125 ATP rankings. In 2025, Tien would qualify for the Australian Open main draw. He matched up against Daniil Medvedev, defeating the top-ranked player after a grueling 5 sets over more than 4 hours. With this feat, Tien became the second youngest American to reach the third round at the AO since Pete Sampras in 1990.