Learner Tien, the 19-year-old, stole the show in the Australian Open, causing a major upset in the tournament by defeating the former world no.1, Daniil Medvedev. The teenager delivered a performance that turned heads. Currently ranked World No. 121, Tien stunned Medvedev in a five-set battle that lasted 4 hours and 49 minutes. The local fans stayed up late to witness and appreciate the young lad. And, it’s not just fans, but even Serena Williams’ former coach could not hold her excitement.

Tien won the match 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-7(8), 1-6, 7-6(10-7) and with this victory, he became the youngest American man to reach the Australian Open third round since Pete Sampras in 1990. After the local boy’s extraordinary performance in the second round, Rennae Stubbs, the former WTA pro who worked with Serena Williams in 2022, shared her admiration for Tien on X.

“Still getting over the match between Tien & Meddy. I stayed up till 3 am watching it & I can’t believe the effort from both men! Incredible match & boy oh boy can Tien play! My god! Meddy whatever u think of him, (i ❤ him) was also so gutsy. Just an amazing match from a teen. 💪,” Stubbs wrote, expressing her amazement.

Speaking in the post-match interview, Tien credited his parents for their early support in his tennis journey. “My parents have been key. They introduced me to the sport, integrated me in. I am the youngest in my family and everyone played tennis before I did, so I was just following them. My dad was my coach until I was probably 11 or 12 and still had a big say in my tennis for a while after that. I definitely give a lot of credit to my dad for that,” he said.

The teenager also spoke about his hard work and determination to overcome setbacks. “I think just trusting what I’m doing. Just really believing in what I am putting in and eventually, whether it’s now or down the road, that it will pay off. I had an injury earlier this year and I was out for a few months. So I’m kind of behind, but I know that if I just keep working to get back I’ll inevitably achieve,” he said.

Brad Gilbert, ex-coach of Coco Gauff, also commented on Tien’s performance. “Holy Toledo just seeing score, Tien takes out Meedy bear 🐻 in 5th set breaker that’s the 3rd player from Next gen event last month to beat a top 10 player,” Gilbert wrote on X, highlighting the impressive achievements of young talents in this year’s tournament.

Learner Tien’s remarkable victory has marked him as a rising star. Surely a lot of fame awaits. And what else?

Mark Petchey makes a cheeky remark about Learner Tien

The 18-year-old Learner Tien was far from living the high life as he stayed focused on defeating fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in a stunning late-night battle. Despite the pressure and the odd timing, Tien stayed composed and determined, which ultimately led to one of the biggest moments in the life of the young star.

Veteran coach and analyst Mark Petchey made a hilarious remark while discussing the match. “The performance last night – in Daniil’s words – is going to bring him money, girls, and casino,” Petchey joked on Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily. That’s what Medvedev had said about his first-round opponent Kasidit Samrej, another youngster who had pushed him to a five-setter.

After the match, Tien reflected on the dramatic moments that unfolded. “Losing the third set was tough after playing for that long,” he admitted. “I had a match point. I mean, I didn’t really get to touch the ball I don’t think. I think it was an ace, but, yeah, that was a little disappointing to see a fourth after fighting back from a breakdown in that third. But honestly, in the fourth set, I just had to pee so bad. So I was just trying to finish it up fairly quick.”

Tien’s story is heartwarming because of his humble beginnings. His parents came to California from Vietnam after the war, seeking a better life. His father coached night classes, where he met Tien’s mother. This backdrop only adds depth to the young athlete’s journey in the sport. Do you think Tien can pull off a few more upsets in the ongoing Australian Open? Let us know in the comments below.