Breakthrough star Tien gained experience with Chang won his corner – Tennis now
Talent has always been a catalyst for breakthrough success for American teen learner Tien in 2025, but experience is also a secret weapon. Every activity played by Southern California natives can increase his reserves, and the process has been amplified as new coach Michael Chang joins his team.
Not only did Tien’s learning be his first full season as a professional, which gave him 23 wins, including five against the top ten, but the clever Southpaw also gained the added benefit of the veteran who had a former Grand Slam title and 662 careers winning 662 careers.
“This is my first year on tour, so I think I’m getting a lot of experience every week, playing a lot of new players, playing different environments, just a lot of different games.” Tien said after falling 6-2, 6-2 in the China Open final on Wednesday, after falling 6-2, 6-2. “Everything was great, all of these experiences I got.
“I just wanted to do my best. I think weeks like this are very useful for my development. I think it’s very good throughout the season and next.”
Tien, who started second in the former world this summer, said Zhang turned his eyes to a new perspective.
“I have never worked with coaches who have been engaged in professional competitions before, at least at this level,” he told reporters after the Beijing final. “I think he’s playing and coaching experience brings a lot because I’m a starting person and I don’t have much experience. It’s great to have a coach going through what I’m going through right now and know every day, what I’m going to think about, how I’m going to feel, how I feel, it’s great.”
Chang didn’t plan to be Tien’s full-time travel coach, but he did go to Beijing.
“I don’t think you have to be a great coach. I think the experience he’s had in the game and coaching before has really helped me a lot,” Tien added. “It’s a new perspective and it really opened my eyes. It’s a fresh face, a fresh voice.”
For Chang or None, Tien has proven to be a quick study of the ATP Tour. He won six career victories in 2025 under his name, an unproven teenager who seems overwhelmed. Tien set the tone ahead of schedule, creating one of the biggest interests of the Australian Open when he defeated three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev in the second round of five sets.
He may not have a huge power, but Tien is both full of impact on both wings, and anything he lacks in the power of guarding, cunning and his trademark calming.
All of this adds up to 36th in career rankings, which could be a stepping stone for bigger things.
“You always believe you can achieve these goals,” Teen said. “You try not to be surprised when it happens. However, it still feels good. It’s very motivated when you hit these new checkpoints.
“I had some ranking goals and stuff earlier this year. I’m very happy with my progress.”
