Learner Tien on #NextGenATP surge: ‘Everyone wants to catch the top guy’ | ATP Tour

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Learner Tien on #NextGenATP surge: ‘Everyone wants to catch the top guy’

Last year’s Jeddah finalist and now world No. 28 returns with unfinished business

November 28, 2025

When Learner Tien steps onto the court in Jeddah to compete in his second consecutive Next Generation ATP Finals hosted by PIF, he will no longer be the fresh-faced teenager who surprised the field with last year’s finalists.

Instead, the American’s arrival is one of 2025’s breakthrough revelations. Tian’s surge into the world’s top 30, a deep run on all surfaces and a first-ever ATP Tour trophy in Metz in the final week of the regular season have shifted expectations from “promising prospect” to “future tournament.” However, if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed since his meteoric rise, it’s his refusal to back down from the spotlight.

“I controlled my expectations very well,” Tian told ATPTour.com in Paris. “I try not to put too much pressure on myself, I just try to participate and enjoy it because it’s my first time doing all these tournaments. I just enjoy my experience and it takes a weight off my shoulders: I can go out free and that helps me a lot.

“I like to keep my routines very similar, but usually it’s a little difficult to hit from one place to another. I try my best to keep most things the same as possible.”

That freedom translates into a fearlessness on the court – especially against the sport’s heavyweights – which was on full display at the Australian Open in January. Tian Junjie, ranked 121st in the qualifying world, defeated fifth seed and three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev after a grueling second-round match of 4 hours and 49 minutes.

However, that didn’t stop in Melbourne, where he reached the fourth round. During the 2025 season, he walked into big stadiums again and again and swung for nothing, posting a 5-3 record against players ranked in the top 10, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

“I really enjoy these matches and I think they are good opportunities. I don’t think people have too many expectations for me to win, especially at the beginning of the year,” said Tian, ​​who also beat Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Andrei Rublev and Lorenzo Musetti. “I just go out there, play free and play well, and I’ve been blessed to experience a lot of that.”

Tian is part of a generational wave driven by the young talent who shared the stage with him in Jeddah last year. Joao Fonseca, who defeated Tien in the championship game, and Miami champion Jakub Mensik join him in making the 2025 season a statement year for their age groups.

Together they are leading the next wave of men’s tennis, aiming to follow the path blazed by PIF champion Carlos Alcaraz and current world number one and world number two Jannik Sinner at the former Next Generation ATP Finals.

“I think a lot of young people are doing a great job,” Tian said. Advertisement

Former world No. 2 Michael Chang joined Tian’s team in July and played a key role in accelerating the 19-year-old’s rapid growth. Zhang’s impact was immediate, providing the 19-year-old with a roadmap through the pressures he was only beginning to encounter.

“He brings a lot of experience, a lot of tennis knowledge,” said Tian, ​​the 34-time tour champion. “I don’t have a lot of experience myself because it’s my first time, so having someone on my team who really knows how things work and has so many years of experience really helps me a lot.”

Returning to Jeddah this year with unfinished business, Tian will bring the confidence to crack the top 30, the fearless mentality that has helped him topple multiple top 10 stars, and the poise of young stars who learn to grow under pressure.

The 2025 Next Generation ATP Finals, hosted by PIF, will be held from December 17 to 21 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.