Learner Tien clinched his first-ever ATP Tour title on Saturday at the Metz Open in France.
Tien, who has risen to a career-high of 28 in the world, defeated British number two Cameron Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 at the weekend.
Remarkably, Tien was 1-5 down in the final set tiebreak. However, he won seven of the next eight points to claim victory over the Brit, who delivered a tearful speech after the match.
Consequently, the American will most likely be seeded for the first time at a Grand Slam when he plays at the 2026 Australian Open.
It has been a breakout season for the 19-year-old, who has reached two Tour finals and has risen from 122 in the world to 28.
Despite his young age, the 19-year-old is a star of the present, rather than the future – and former world number one Andy Roddick has taken notice.
Andy Roddick says Learner Tien’s record against top 10 players is ‘shockingly good’
Andy Roddick remains the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title – he won the 2003 US Open, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final.
Could Learner Tien be the one to snap that streak?
Whether he does remains to be seen, but in the meantime, Tien certainly has the attention of Roddick.
Speaking on his ‘Served’ podcast, Roddick said: “Learner Tien just won in Metz, I want to give him a massive shoutout.
“28 in the world, started the year 122. That’s some work, big deal, 10 spots this week. You know what that does? Seeded at the Australian Open. That Meddy [Daniil Medvedev] rematch isn’t happening in the second round.
“Guy’s gone to work! I love watching young players… Learner Tien, I mean this in the most complimentary way possible, doesn’t have a serve that’s going to blow you away, doesn’t have a shot that’s going to knock you off the court, at any given moment.
“I love young players who already have a very high tennis IQ. Knows when to chip, knows when to take cuts, has that short-pop forehand, almost like [Sebastien] Grosjean, where there’s not a huge takeback, and he can kind of work it out of the centre.
“Beats you with spacing and timing, not necessarily taking massive cuts. What a great way to end the year. His record against top 10 players is shockingly good for someone who is young and started the year outside the top 100.
“When he gets beat, I don’t think it’s ever because he’s in awe of a situation, or because he’s punched himself out of a match. It might just mean that someone can go bigger, stronger, faster on that day. I think he understands it, I think he has full control of the concepts of the game and how to apply them.
“I’m just excited. His game should translate to grass really well, not sure about clay, hits it a little flat, not going to get a lot of freebies. But on a fast court….”
Will Learner Tien record a deep run at a Grand Slam in 2026?
Learner Tien has demonstrated his innate talent on the court in 2025. The American should be praised for his superb performances throughout the year, which have seen him crack the top 30 and become a household name in American tennis.
However, he will want to take the next step in 2026.
His best performance in a Grand Slam was at the 2025 Australian Open, when he made the fourth round after defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Daniil Medvedev and Corentin Moutet.
Tien’s success at future Grand Slams may hinge on how he can improve his serve moving forward.
There can be little doubt that the American has an all-court game. However, his serve is a weak point, and with the shot being perhaps the most crucial in the sport, he will need to strengthen this area moving forward.
