Jul 31, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Learner Tien (USA) plays a shot against Reilly Opelka (USA) during third round play at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

tennis

Who is Learner Tien, Novak Djokovic’s Round-1 Opponent for 2025 US Open? All About Learner Tien and His journey to the US Open

All you need to know about the American prodigy.

Jul 31, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Learner Tien (USA) plays a shot against Reilly Opelka (USA) during third round play at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The US Open is finally here, and with it have arrived a few great storylines. One of the biggest ones is Novak Djokovic’s quest for the elusive 25th Grand Slam. However, to achieve that historical feat, Djokovic will have to go through some of the best talents in the world. The journey begins with Learner Tien, the 19-year-old prodigy who broke into the scene in 2025. Ahead of their match-up on Sunday, let’s get to know more about this teenage phenom.

Novak Djokovic will first face Learner Tien in his pursuit for major title No. 25 🤺 🏆 #usopen pic.twitter.com/7Es5hkR72J
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 21, 2025

Who is Learner Tien?

Born on December 2nd, 2005, in Irvine, California, Learner Tien has been working on his craft since his childhood. A simple figure is enough to explain Tien’s rapid rise in tennis. The 19-year-old ranked 121 at the start of this year, and has quickly risen to No. 48. However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. Tien has already won 10 singles titles (Challenger Tour and ITF Circuit), and has been a runner-up on two other occasions.

A burner, from Learner 🔥

19-year-old Tien flashing the courtcraft at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/F0rsBto7YI
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 10, 2025

Tien’s precision and ability to hit deep in the baseline have turned him into one of the most hyped potential stars of the sport. Perhaps it is this ability that forced his coach, Eric Diaz, to label him “a winner.” Diaz revealed the key quality that separates Tien from the rest: “He just stays really calm and just finds a way.” But Tien hasn’t been particularly impressive in the Grand Slams yet. Certainly, he’d be hoping to change that trend when he faces off against Djokovic today.

Is Learner Tien Chinese?

No, Learner Tien is not Chinese. He was born in Irvine, California, to Vietnamese parents.

Tien’s family had immigrated to the United States before his birth. They were partly responsible for Tien’s love for tennis, as both his parents were also huge fans of the sport. As a result, Tien began training for tennis almost as soon as he began walking. At age 1.5, Tien had already begun playing with a racket and then started participating in tournaments by age 5.

Where Did Learner Tien Go to College?

At just the age of 17, Learner Tien played a semester of college tennis at the University of Southern California. He turned professional after this stint and emerged as a player to look out for. Not just college, Tien even started his high school early at just the age of 11-12. In fact, even before turning pro, Tien had already played in the US Open.

As good as it gets!

A magnificent dropper from Learner Tien 💫@NBOtoronto | #NBO25 pic.twitter.com/XS6PhjIYEx
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 2, 2025

At the age of 16, he competed in his first Grand Slam by getting a wild-card draw after winning the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championship. Now, Tien will hope for a claim to fame by upsetting Djokovic.

Learner Tien Parents

Learner Tien was born to Khuong Dan Tien and Huyen Tien, the Vietnamese immigrants who loved tennis deeply. Khuong is a real estate lawyer, and Huyen, a former math teacher. Interestingly, the couple honored their professions by naming their kids Learner and Justice. Per his interview with the LA Times, Khuong explained his rationale behind these names. “An attorney seeks justice. A teacher seeks a learner. They were virtuous names,” said Khuong.

Till the age of 11, Khuong took Tien to a community court near their house for training. After that, Tien became a part of the USTA Player Development Program. Under his father’s tutelage, Tien won the Racquet Club of Irvine’s tournament at just the age of 5. Since then, his parents have supported Learner Tien’s journey whole-heartedly. Even when he stepped out a little from the sport, they accepted the decision. However, that absence was short-lived as Tien found his way back to the court.

Now the 19-year-old gets ready to face the player with the most Grand Slams in tennis history. As fans gear up for the unmissable tussle on Arthur Ashe Stadium, drop in your early predictions for the US Open.

Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

ATP

Learner Tien

Novak Djokovic

Tennis

US Open

US Open 2025

USA

Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.