Learner Tien has been one of the standout performers on the ATP Tour this year, despite being only 20 years old.
The American recently ended his 2025 season on a high by winning the Next Gen Finals – a title Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have also won.
Tien also won his first ATP Tour title in October, defeating Cameron Norrie in a nailbiting Metz Open final.
The 20-year-old is among the brightest young talents on the Tour, alongside the likes of Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik – both of whom also won their first Tour titles this year.
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
Tien’s performances have not gone unnoticed in tennis circles, as demonstrated by Greg Rusedski’s recent comments.
Greg Rusedski says Learner Tien is being ‘destroyed’ by Michael Chang in training during the off-season
Speaking on the Off Court with Greg podcast, Rusedski said: “The guy who has impressed me a lot is Learner Tien. He has hired a certain guy by the name of Michael Chang, former world number two, French Open winner and multiple slam finalist. He is one of the greats of the game.
“That really shows intent. Remember his breakout in Australia where he beat Daniil Medvedev. He has gone up a notch. And let’s not forget, the guys who have won that Next Gen tournament – Tsitsipas, Sinner, Alcaraz, Draper – they haven’t done too badly!
“I have a feeling that he is one to watch out for in 2026. I hear that Chang is destroying him on the practice court. He is shocked at how many hours he is having to do on court.
“I heard that he has said something to the extent of ‘now I understand why these guys are at the very top’ because of what he is having to put in.”
Michael Chang, who began working with Tien shortly after Wimbledon, knows all about what it takes to win a Grand Slam title.
Chang remains the youngest male Grand Slam singles champion in Open Era history. In 1989, aged 17 years and 110 days, Chang won the French Open.
Chang made three more Grand Slam finals, but was unable to add to his total.
What will Learner Tien achieve in 2026?
Learner Tien has unlimited potential and one of the highest tennis IQs in the sport.
His talent should not be underestimated by his peers and – with Michael Chang at the helm – anything is possible in 2026.
After a stellar 2025 season, the world number 28 should be aiming to reach the second week at all the Grand Slam tournaments in 2026.
His best opportunity of doing so may be at the Australian Open, which is scheduled to begin on January 18.
Who will be the biggest disappointment at the 2026 Australian Open?
Tien, who will be seeded at a Grand Slam event for the first time in his career, reached the fourth round 12 months ago.
However, if Tien wishes to win Grand Slam titles in the future, he must improve one key area of his game.
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