Learner Tien Achieves Groundbreaking Victory at the Acapulco Open Quarterfinals
19-year-old American tennis sensation Learner Tien continued his meteoric rise by defeating world number 2 Alexander Zverev at the Acapulco Open, solidifying his position as one of the sport's brightest young stars.
The match, held on February 27, 2025, showcased Tien’s remarkable skill and composure as he triumphed over Zverev with a decisive score of 6-3, 6-4, within just 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Following his stunning victory, Tien reflected on his accomplishment, stating, “Honestly, I don’t think I’ve fully comprehended the magnitude of what I’ve accomplished.” Just weeks before, Tien had stunned the tennis world by defeating three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev, marking him as the youngest American man to reach the third round of the Open since Pete Sampras back in 1990.
This victory over Zverev marks Tien's second consecutive victory against top-tier players, establishing him as the youngest man to defeat a Top 3 player since 2022, and the youngest American since Andy Roddick achieved the feat back in 2001.
Despite some uncharacteristic errors from Zverev, including missed overhead shots during key moments, Tien maintained his focus. He remarked on his approach to the match: “I honestly couldn’t tell you how I did it. I went out there and tried to control my side of the court. I knew it would be tough. To come through feels great.” The young American emphasized the necessity of keeping his emotions under control throughout the match, confessing, “The nerves are definitely there. I try to hide it as much as I can. Sometimes it’s easier than others.”
Tien's innovative playing style and fearless mindset echoed throughout the tournament and caught the eye of tennis veterans and analysts alike.
Eric Diaz, who has coached Tien since he was 14, shared his enthusiasm for the budding star, noting, “Everybody anticipated some big things for him. He was just a quiet kid, so it was always one of those where I was always kind of, ‘He’s young, you never know.’ But the more I got to know him, the more I recognized the aura was there for a reason.” Such sentiments have been echoed by various tennis analysts and players, such as renowned coach Brad Gilbert, who tweeted, “Holy Toledo just seeing score, Tien takes out Meedy bear...,” highlighting the significance of Tien's capability to upset higher-ranked players.
Another praise came from Rennae Stubbs, who commented on social media about Tien's thrilling encounter against Medvedev as “just an amazing match from a teen.” Tien's performance has sparked conversations about whether he could be the next big American tennis star or merely a fleeting phenomenon.
Yet, his achievements have firmly planted him on the radar of tennis enthusiasts globally, and he's gaining momentum as he advances through the tournament, ready to face Tomas Machac from the Czech Republic next. Fans eagerly await whether Tien can extend his remarkable run.
Looking beyond the current tournament, Tien has expressed excitement about participating in the Indian Wells tournament shortly afterward, indicating his ambitions remain high. He declared, “This tournament holds a very special place” in his heart, alluding to more challenges and opportunities he hopes to embrace with vigor.
Whether Learner Tien is truly making his mark on the professional scene remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—after his performance at both the Australian Open and now the Acapulco Open, he is certainly one to watch closely as the tennis season progresses.