Tien, on what it means to play against Sinner: "The pressure he puts on you is incredible"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 1 Oct 2025 | 12.20

Learner Tien, what does it feel like to play against Sinner. Photo: gettyimages

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An amazing week with a cruel ending. Learner Tien has emerged as one of the main protagonists with his finalist position in the ATP 500 Beijing 2025, but he ended up facing a Jannik Sinner who is on another level. The 19-year-old American continues to progress and experienced firsthand what lies ahead if he wants to match the Italian.

Perhaps not enjoying the media impact of some of his peers or showing the desired consistency, but Learner Tien must be considered one of the greatest promises in the tennis world, closest to becoming a reality. At just 19 years old, he has burst into the elite with a natural ability to rise against top tennis players and achieve significant results. His finalist position in the ATP 500 Beijing 2025 propels him to 36th place in the ATP ranking, and the resounding defeat against Jannik Sinner should not overshadow the great merit of what he has achieved.

"It's been a great week, I think I'm learning a lot week by week, gaining experiences, and improving as a tennis player. It's my first full season on the circuit, so I believe what I'm experiencing will greatly boost my professional career," said Tien, who quickly pointed out the importance of Michael Chang, his coach for months, who seems to be giving him a great push to keep improving.

- Tien is now the second-best tennis player under 20 years old

This is how he expressed it in a press conference when asked about the legendary former player. "I had never worked with a coach who had played at the highest level and had the experience he possesses. He is helping me a lot because he knows perfectly the sensations I am experiencing day by day. He has opened my eyes, providing new perspectives on my tennis. It is very motivating to see everything I am achieving; I have already met all the goals I had set in terms of matches won and ranking progression," explained the American.

Asked about his feelings when facing Jannik Sinner, the American was straightforward. "Phew, it was a very tough match. I couldn't read his serve at any moment, and that killed me because I generally feel comfortable at the return and base my confidence in matches on hitting a lot of balls and putting pressure on my opponent when I'm returning. Against him, it was impossible for me," he commented honestly.

"It's incredible the pressure he exerts on you at all times. I felt I couldn't harm him with my serve, and that totally conditioned my performance," stated a Learner Tien who felt powerless in the final of the ATP 500 Beijing 2025, facing for the first time a Jannik Sinner capable of mentally and tennis-wise overwhelming almost all his rivals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tien, sobre lo que supone jugar contra Sinner: "Es increíble la presión a la que te somete"