Meet Learner Tien: The 19-year-old American faced Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open first round

Nineteen-year-old American tennis player Learner Tien faced Novak Djokovic at the U.S. Open on Arthur Ashe Court, marking a major milestone in his emerging professional career. Tien, currently ranked 48th in the world, represents a new generation of teenage tennis players and brings a unique background story to the court. Born in December 2005 in Irvine, California, Tien comes from a Vietnamese immigrant family. His parents, Khuong Dan Tien and Huyen Tien, encouraged him to discover tennis naturally while they played, allowing him to develop a love for the sport at his own pace. His distinctive name reflects his parents’ professions: his mother is a teacher, and his father is a real estate attorney. “An attorney seeks justice. A teacher seeks a learner. They were virtuous names,” Khuong explained. Tien has grown to embrace his unique name, saying, “I like it a little more now just because it’s so unique. I haven’t met anyone with the same name.” Tien turned professional in 2023, and 2025 marks his first full year on the professional tour. He made a breakthrough at the 2025 Australian Open, becoming the youngest male player since Rafael Nadal in 2005 to reach the fourth round, securing his first Grand Slam victory and claiming a Top 10 win over Daniil Medvedev. Facing Djokovic at the U.S. Open was another huge step in Tien’s career. The 38-year-old Serbian star won in straight sets, but for Tien, it was an important learning experience at the highest level of the sport. Despite the loss, Tien showed promise and resilience, gaining exposure to the pressures and intensity of Grand Slam tennis. Tien’s early coaching from his father and steady development have clearly laid the groundwork for his rise. With his talent, work ethic, and growing experience, Tien is widely seen as one of the most exciting young prospects in men’s tennis. His journey is just beginning, and the U.S. Open matchup against Djokovic will surely be remembered as a defining moment in his early career.