The first major upset of the 2025 Australian Open unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning, Australian time. After nearly five hours of grueling tennis, and a third tie-break decider in the fifth set, world number five Daniil Medvedev watched his final return sail long, landing beyond the baseline. Across the net, a jubilant 121st-ranked Californian celebrated, his name, Learner Tien, destined to become fodder for puns and wordplay. The official Australian Open match report aptly titled the encounter ”Late-night Learner,” while Eurosport went with ”Called Learner but played like a master.” Tien’s victory marked a significant upset, catapulting him into the tennis spotlight and leaving the tennis world buzzing with excitement.
Tien’s parents, both born in Vietnam, chose names for their children that reflected their professions. Huyen, Tien’s mother, was a math teacher, while his father, Khuong Dan, is a lawyer. The name ”Learner” resonated with newfound significance following his stunning victory. Though the headlines and attention have surged following his triumph over Medvedev, Tien is no stranger to competitive tennis. He qualified for the prestigious Next Gen finals, a showcase of the sport’s most promising young players, reaching the final before losing to the highly touted Brazilian, Fonseca, another name predicted for future greatness. This prior experience, though ultimately ending in defeat, provided invaluable experience and exposure on the big stage, contributing to his composure under pressure against Medvedev.
Tien’s run at the Australian Open has been nothing short of impressive. Including qualifying rounds, he has strung together five consecutive victories, three in qualifying and two in the main draw. The large crowd, both in the stadium and watching worldwide, witnessed the depth of Tien’s skills. He displayed exceptional ball control, consistently unsettling the notoriously difficult-to-play Medvedev, extending rallies seemingly indefinitely. He showcased a keen tactical awareness, choosing opportune moments to approach the net or execute drop shots, disrupting Medvedev’s rhythm. And perhaps most notably, his double-handed backhand, particularly when struck flat, impressed commentators and analysts alike, demonstrating a power and precision that belied his ranking.
The young American’s aggressive baseline game, combined with his tactical acumen, proved to be Medvedev’s undoing. The Russian, known for his defensive prowess and ability to absorb pace, found himself constantly on the back foot against Tien’s relentless attack. Medvedev’s frustration was palpable as the match wore on, culminating in uncharacteristic errors that ultimately paved the way for Tien’s victory. The match served as a testament to the changing landscape of men’s tennis, where young, up-and-coming players are increasingly challenging the established order.
Tien’s path to this moment has not been without its detours. As a highly touted junior player, he represented the USA in the youth equivalent of the Davis Cup. However, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, his passion for tennis waned during his early teenage years, replaced by the allure of video games. His parents, while disappointed, offered pragmatic advice: “Just make sure you go to school. Don’t throw any rocks through anybody’s windows, don’t set any cars on fire and you’re going to be ok.” They lamented the potential left unrealized, remarking, “It’s kind of sad that he doesn’t enjoy it as much as he should, given the skills he has.” Fortunately for tennis fans, Tien rediscovered his love for the game, a rekindled passion evident in his electrifying performance against Medvedev.
Following his stunning victory, Tien now faces Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the third round. The match is scheduled for a daytime slot, a welcome change from the late-night drama of his previous encounter. As the youngest remaining player in the men’s draw, Tien carries the hopes of American tennis fans eager for a new star. Regardless of the outcome, his performance at the Australian Open has announced his arrival on the global stage, solidifying his status as a player to watch in the years to come. His name, once a source of amusement, now resonates with respect and admiration within the tennis world.
