The US men’s tennis scene has strengthened in recent years, with several American ATP stars cracking the world’s top 50.
World number four Taylor Fritz has been flying the flag for his country this year, having added two more titles to his name, while reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon.
His 22-year-old compatriot, Ben Shelton, has also enjoyed some success this season, collecting a maiden Masters crown at the Canadian Open.
There is one young American player, however, who Laver Cup champion Alex Michelsen says is going completely under the radar.
Alex Michelsen hails young in-form US star on the ATP Tour
Speaking on the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, Michelsen said: “I have always liked being under the radar. My whole career, I have been under the radar.
“Nobody really knew who I was coming up, and I feel like even now, a lot of people don’t know who I am. I like it that way. I like being under the radar. I like nothing more.”
He then added: “I would say Learner [Tien] is still pretty under the radar, too, even though he has had some fantastic wins this year.
“I still think he is pretty under the radar. He should be more on the radar. He is 19, he is 15 in the world and he has how many top 10 wins already?
“I think it’s cool we have a great group of young guys. I know all of them pretty well, I played juniors with them and we all came up around the same time.
“I am happy for everyone who is doing well around my age. I’m not salty at all. I don’t care too much what other people are doing or what other people think; I just like doing my own thing.”
Learner Tien’s impressive recent results on the ATP Tour
After bowing out in the first round of the US Open to Novak Djokovic, Learner Tien has been impressive during the Asian swing.
He advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hangzhou Open, and reached his first tour-level final at the China Open.
In Beijing, Tien earned wins over Flavio Cobolli, Lorenzo Musetti, and Daniil Medvedev en route to the championship match.
The 19-year-old ultimately fell to Jannik Sinner in the final, but has since clinched two more victories at the Shanghai Masters.
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