Learner Tien: "It landed in a soft place in my heart"

Learner Tien: "It landed in a soft place in my heart"

From The Sit-Down by Tennis Australia

March 8, 2026 · 18 min · Season 3 · Episode 6

About this episode

Learner Tien discusses his rapid rise in tennis and his experiences at the Australian Open 2026.

At just 20 years of age and in only his second full year on tour, Learner Tien is striking a rare balance: keeping a level head while embracing the game’s biggest stages. Joining Viv and Matt on The Sit-Down during Australian Open 2026, Tien reflected on the qualities that have boosted his rapid rise into the world’s top 25. In just his second main-draw appearance in Melbourne, Tien strengthened his growing reputation against the game’s biggest names, stunning Daniil Medvedev for a second straight year to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. With plenty already achieved, the grounded young star remains firmly focused on what comes next, and with the support of high-profile coach Michael Chang, the bigger milestones still to come – perhaps in his home state of California, where he is competing as the 25th seed at the unofficial "fifth Grand Slam". AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify   Host handles: @Viv_Christie @MattyAT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Viv Christie, Matt

Guest: Learner Tien

Topics covered

  • Tennis
  • Australian Open
  • Athlete development
  • Sports psychology
  • Career milestones

Keywords

  • Learner Tien
  • Australian Open
  • Daniil Medvedev
  • Michael Chang
  • tennis career
  • Grand Slam
  • top 25

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tennis Australia

Places: California

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