RISING STAR TIEN IN A GOOD PLACE Learner Tien, the 20-year-old Irvine native, is entering the BNP Paribas Open with renewed confidence after a breakthrough year in 2025. His first appearance at the tournament last year was brief and forgettable, marked by illness and a quick exit in the first round. Now, with a stronger foundation and a more refined game, Tien is aiming to make an impact at his hometown event. Tien’s journey to the ATP Tour has been marked by rapid progress. A standout junior player, he earned a 2022 U.S. Open main draw wild card by winning the USTA boys 18s Nationals at age 16. Transitioning to the professional circuit in 2023, he climbed to a career-high ranking of 27th in 2025, a significant leap from his early days as a teenager struggling to break into the top 100. His cerebral approach to the game and ability to adapt have been key to his development. A pivotal moment in Tien’s career came midway through 2024 when he began working with Michael Chang, the 1989 French Open champion and former coach of Japan’s Kei Nishikori. The collaboration, arranged through Tien’s agent, was delayed for years despite both sharing the Southern California tennis scene. Chang’s guidance has helped Tien refine his all-court game and build mental resilience. “The impact was immediate,” Tien noted, reflecting on the coaching shift. This year, Tien has felt a sense of stability and growth. “So far this year, everything has felt good,” he said, citing improved consistency and confidence on the court. His performance at Indian Wells, a tournament with deep historical ties to his home state, represents a chance to solidify his status as a rising force in men’s tennis. Tien’s path has been shaped by both opportunity and perseverance.#indian_wells #tien #bnp_paribas_open #michael_chang #usta_boys_18s_nationals
