Learner Tien: First-time winner spotlight | ATP Tour

first time winner

Learner Field: Spotlight on first-time winners

The 19-year-old is the first American teenager to win an ATP Tour title since 19-year-old Andy Roddick in 2002

November 8, 2025

#NextGenATP star learner Tian registered a breakthrough victory at the Mosel Open on Saturday to become the ninth first-time winner on the ATP Tour this season.

The 19-year-old defeated Cameron Norrie in the final to break into the top 30 of the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time. With the victory, Tian also became the first American teenager to win a tour-level title since 19-year-old Andy Roddick in 2002.

The indoor hard-court ATP 250 title is the latest highlight of an impressive season for the southpaw. After finishing runner-up at last year’s Next Generation ATP Finals at PIF, he has defeated top 10 players five times this season and reached his first tour-level final at the ATP 500 event in Beijing, where he lost to Jannik Sinner.

ATPTour.com caught up with Tien to discuss his path to the championship, his journey and more…

What does it mean to win your first ATP Tour title?
This is really special to me. That was a big goal for me going into this season. It was the last week of the year. I really want to make it happen. So, that means a lot.

Who was the most influential person in helping you reach this point in your career?
I haven’t had a lot of coaches, but I’ve been lucky enough to have the coaches I’ve had throughout my life. I think everyone plays a role in who I am as a person and in my game. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me. Obviously, my parents. My dad was my first coach. I spoke to him after the game. There are a lot of people to thank and a lot of people that I am very grateful for.

At just 19 years old, you’re about to break into the top 30 for the first time. What does this achievement mean to you?
In fact, that’s great. I’m not sure where my exact ranking will be after this week. But honestly, being seeded in Australia is a bonus for me. This is something I don’t try to remember during the game, which puts extra pressure on myself. So, that’s great.

What lessons did you learn from your first ATP Tour final last month against Jannik Sinner?
Honestly, I think it helped with the tension. I was obviously a little nervous today as I was competing for my first title, but I think at that stage of the race I think it helped me a lot in relieving the pre-race nerves and things like that.

Your mom was a teacher and your dad was a lawyer, what would you have done if you hadn’t found tennis? Why?
I might be a loser. I never really took much else. So, I guess I’m lucky.

How does it feel to have Zhang Depei, the former world No. 2 player, joining your team this year?
marvelous. Having him join my team is very special. He helped me a lot. The insight he brings, the experience he has. I feel like we work well together and we’re able to work well together.

What is the most memorable lesson or story in your time with him so far?
Does it count today? [I would say] today. Today is the best day of the year.

You initially attend college for one semester before turning pro. How has the journey since then been different from what you expected when you made the decision?
I wouldn’t say I had high expectations for what would happen when I left school. Honestly, I just wanted to finish school. So I feel like I’m ready to go out and dedicate myself to playing tennis. I’ve had a lot of firsts this year, but I’m not going to say anything super shocking because I didn’t have a lot of expectations for what was going to happen.

This is a milestone moment in your career, how will you celebrate this victory?
I have no idea. I have no idea. Honestly, I’m still coming to terms with it. I still can’t believe it. I haven’t actually had dinner anywhere other than a hotel room [here in Metz] This whole week. Lunch or dinner. I’ve ordered food to my room and every meal in my room this week has been exactly the same, so I’ll probably do something different tonight.