Learner Tien’s impressive rise this year has made him one of the most talked-about prospects of his generation. Even tennis legend Andre Agassi has taken notice, praising Tien’s talent and mindset.
What Did Andre Agassi Say About Learner Tien?
Tien is quickly making a name for himself on the ATP Tour with his shot-making and calm attitude. Eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi, who is lately contributing to the sport by guiding top players, recently told AFP:
“He has learned the game phenomenally well. He is incredibly gifted, not just with his game, but with his mind,” (via France24).
Talking about Tien’s limitations, the American tennis legend said:
“He has to overcome certain physical limitations versus other guys, as far as size and strength (goes), but he’s still so young.”
Agassi further lauded the youngster by saying he had no idea how he would help him get better.
“When I really look at him from a tennis player execution standpoint, he’s one of the few guys I say to myself, (I don’t know) how would I help him get better – he does everything,” the 55-year-old added.
Agassi has previously coached stars like Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov and mentored players like Holger Rune.
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As Team World’s captain at Laver Cup 2025, Agassi guided them to their third title and got a closer look at rising stars.
Tien’s 2025 Season So Far
Tien’s rise has been backed by strong guidance from his team. His junior coach, Erik Kortland, and former coach, Eric Diaz, played important roles in shaping his game. Now, the youngest man ever to win a singles major, Michael Chang, has stepped in as his new coach.
This year has been nothing short of a breakout year for Tien. The young American climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 36 and earned over $2.3 million in prize money.
He got everyone’s attention at the 2025 Australian Open by beating then-World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller before reaching the fourth round. Tien also became the youngest American since Andy Roddick to defeat a Top 3 player after defeating then-World No. 2 Alexander Zverev in Mexico.
Tien also won over some notable names like Ben Shelton, Andrey Rublev, and Denis Shapovalov this season. His Grand Slam record includes a fourth-round finish at the Australian Open, a second round at Wimbledon, and first-round exits at the French Open and US Open.
One of his biggest career moments came at the US Open, where he faced Novak Djokovic in the opening round. Though he lost, Tien showed his composure against the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Recently, he lost to Jannik Sinner at the final of the China Open and to Medvedev in the round of 16 of Shanghai Masters, but his growth this season proves he is one of the must-watch future stars.
