Tien discusses his progress: "I didn't let the tough moments get me down"

From Metz to Beijing, Learner Tien experienced a sparkling end to the season. Now in the semifinals of the Next Gen ATP Finals, the young American explains how confidence and resilience have shaped his transformation.

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 20/12/2025 à 07h28

2 min to read

Next Gen ATP Finals Tien Learner

Learner Tien hopes to reach a second consecutive final at the Next Gen ATP Finals. Beaten by João Fonseca last year, the American has qualified for the semifinals of the 2025 edition. The world number 28 will face his compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy this Saturday in the semifinals.

The 20-year-old player thus confirms his excellent end to the season, having won the ATP 250 tournament in Metz and reached the final of the ATP 500 in Beijing against Jannik Sinner. Moreover, Tien explains that confidence has been one of the most important factors in his current success.

"Things have been a bit difficult, but I think I'm very happy with how I overcame some of the toughest moments of the year and, despite the ups and downs, I stayed pretty consistent.

"I always thought I could finish the year strong"

I was trying to make the most of it. Some weeks were tough. I wasn't very used to being away from home for so long. I also wasn't used to losing so much at certain times of the year.

I always thought I could finish the year strong, especially during the summer, when I was going through a rough patch. Confidence has been one of the most important factors in some of these tournaments.

Playing on hard courts is something very natural for me, and I feel quite comfortable with it. I always thought I had a good chance of finishing the year well, especially indoors, a surface I really enjoy.

So, partly thanks to that, and also because I didn't let the tough moments get me down, I just kept hope. I continued to believe that I could finish the year strong," Tien assured Punto de Break.