At just 20 years of age and in only his second full year on tour, Learner Tien is striking a rare balance: keeping a level head while embracing the game’s biggest stages. Joining Viv and Matt on The Sit-Down during Australian Open 2026, Tien reflected on the qualities that have boosted his rapid rise into the world’s top 25. In just his second main-draw appearance in Melbourne, Tien strengthened his growing reputation against the game’s biggest names, stunning Daniil Medvedev for a second straight year to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. With plenty already achieved, the grounded young star remains firmly focused on what comes next, and with the support of high-profile coach Michael Chang, the bigger milestones still to come – perhaps in his home state of California, where he is competing as the 25th seed at the unofficial "fifth Grand Slam".

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Host handles:
@Viv_Christie
@MattyAT

At just 20 years of age and in only his second full year on tour, Learner Tien is striking a rare balance: keeping a level head while embracing the game&rsquo;s biggest stages. Joining Viv and Matt on The Sit-Down during Australian Open 2026, Tien reflected on the qualities that have boosted his rapid rise into the world&rsquo;s top 25. In just his second main-draw appearance in Melbourne, Tien strengthened his growing reputation against the game&rsquo;s biggest names, stunning Daniil Medvedev for a second straight year to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. With plenty already achieved, the grounded young star remains firmly focused on what comes next, and with the support of high-profile coach Michael Chang, the bigger milestones still to come &ndash; perhaps in his home state of California, where he is competing as the 25th seed at the unofficial "fifth Grand Slam".
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The Sit-Down brings you in-depth interviews with some of the most influential figures from the world of tennis. From players to coaches, analysts, and tennis legends, each episode delves into their stories, revealing personal anecdotes and unique perspectives on the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the world of tennis, The Sit-Down brings you conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in every week for an authentic, unfiltered chat with the personalities who’ve helped shape the sport of tennis.

The Sit-Down brings you in-depth interviews with some of the most influential figures from the world of tennis. From players to coaches, analysts, and tennis legends, each episode delves into their stories, revealing personal anecdotes and unique perspectives on the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the world of tennis, The Sit-Down brings you conversations you won&rsquo;t hear anywhere else. Tune in every week for an authentic, unfiltered chat with the personalities who&rsquo;ve helped shape the sport of tennis.

The Sit-Down 

Learner Tien: "It landed in a soft place in my heart"

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/585a050b-7661-4be6-8277-b403017e525a/transcript