Excitement at Hard Rock Stadium
As cheers resonate from Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, spectators outside speculate whether it’s Novak Djokovic on the court. However, it’s actually a first-round match of the Miami Open between two teenagers: 19-year-old Learner Tien from the United States and 18-year-old João Fonseca from Brazil. The Miami audience, proudly displaying Brazilian colors, is particularly enthusiastic for Fonseca.
Crowd Energy and Player Differences
Tien misses an easy overhead shot, prompting loud cheers from Fonseca’s supporters, who chant in a manner typically reserved for soccer, disregarding traditional tennis etiquette. Despite the noisy crowd, Tien begins his serve without visible stress, displaying a composed demeanor that contrasts with Fonseca’s ability to feed off the crowd’s energy.
The Rising Star’s Journey
Tien reflects on the spirited atmosphere, stating, “The crowd was loud. I didn’t really mind. Honestly, it makes the match more entertaining when people are more invested in the match.” Having recently turned pro after a semester at USC, Tien faced Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set match at the Australian Open in February, marking his emergence in the tennis world.
Tenacious Spirit and Family Support
The soft-spoken Tien is known for his ‘smart’ gameplay and remains unfazed despite losing to Fonseca in three sets. In a reflective farewell to Miami, he shared a photo from the match. Tien’s journey to professional sports has been gradual, starting from when he picked up a racket at just over one year old, thanks to his parents who introduced him to the sport during their recreational play.
Education and Tennis Balance
Tien’s upbringing has been influenced heavily by his parents, who immigrated from Vietnam. His mother, a teacher, homeschooled Tien and his sister, Justice, promoting both education and sport without undue pressure. Tien advanced through schooling quickly, starting high school at 11 years old, maintaining his enthusiasm for tennis alongside academics.
Pivotal Moments and Setbacks
At 16, Tien competed in the US Open, but illness marred his first appearances. After entering USC at 17, he played one semester before committing fully to his tennis career. A rib injury led to a three-month layoff, but post-recovery, Tien experienced significant success, including a recent impressive performance against Medvedev.
Aiming for the Top and Future Goals
With an ambition to break into the top 100 early this year, Tien is embracing the main tour schedule. His recent victory over Medvedev, completed in a fifth-set tiebreak, served as a pivotal moment in his young career. Tien admits the win was challenging to process immediately amidst the tournament pressures, but ultimately it proved transformative for his self-confidence.
