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27 May 2026 | 07.22
Learner Tien continues to confirm at Roland Garros 2026 that he is going through the best moment of his still young professional career. After conquering the title in Geneva and making a winning debut in Paris, the young player once again showed very mature sensations both on and off the court, especially when analyzing all the evolution he has experienced on clay in recent months.
In a press conference, Learner Tien delved much deeper into the importance that Michael Chang has had in his recent growth, talked about his youth doubts regarding professional tennis, and shared interesting reflections on the development of American players on clay. The American also explained how he learned to construct points better on clay and acknowledged that he now enjoys tennis much more than when he was a teenager.
How Learner Tien Demonstrates His Ambition and Mentality at Roland Garros 2026
The Importance of Michael Chang in His Growth
"Michael's support has been absolutely key for me, and I sincerely believe it is very important. What I wanted to say during the speech in Geneva is that at the beginning of the clay court tour, there were very tough and very long days where he was probably more motivated than I was."
"I didn't start the clay season playing anywhere near the level I have now, but he was always very patient and positive with me. Much of my recent improvement comes precisely from all that constant support."
How He Overcame the Toughest Moments of the Tour
"There were no big conversations or anything too concrete. There were just disappointing matches and training sessions where things weren't quite clicking. But he always kept a lot of patience and helped me understand some things that ended up being essential for my evolution."
His View on College Tennis
"I don't think there is a single correct path to professionalism. College is a fantastic option for players who are not yet physically or mentally ready to make the leap."
"Personally, it was quite intimidating for me to jump straight into the professional circuit at such a young age. I always believed in myself, but it was still quite scary to leave everything behind and immediately start traveling the world playing tennis."
"I think college helps many players develop with a bit more time. It is not a stage where you worsen as a player, not at all. Some people just need more time to mature, and others can transition directly."
His Reaction to McEnroe's Praise for Clay Courts
"I would never say I am the American with the best chances to succeed on clay because right now there are many young Americans improving a lot on this surface. I sincerely believe that the results of Americans on clay are clearly moving in the right direction."
Why He Thinks His Tennis Fits Well on Clay
"I feel I construct points quite well, and that is very important on clay. I also believe my movement is improving a lot."
"I have patience, I tolerate long exchanges well, and I am willing to work every point without trying to end rallies too quickly. Sometimes you just have to accept physically enduring and play very long points, and I feel I am willing to do that."
How He Learned to Construct Points Better
"I think I improved a lot compared to last year in shot selection. On clay, there are many more variables: the bounce, the movement, how the court responds, or which balls work best."
"I am learning which shots really help me on this surface and which maybe I used too much on hard courts but are not as effective here. All of that helped me a lot to construct points better."
The Mental Differences in Such Fluctuating Matches
"Matches with many dynamics changes are mentally very complicated. When you start to pull away in the score, you need to stay completely focused because momentum can change rapidly, especially on clay."
"You never know when what seems like a normal game can suddenly turn into a real battle. Concentration was probably the most important thing for me today."
The Impact of Extreme Heat at Roland Garros
"I am sure the heat is greatly influencing many matches. We are playing best of five sets, and honestly, it must not be easy to play four and a half hours in these temperatures. There are probably players who, consciously or unconsciously, let go of a set to save some physical energy."
His Confession about the Doubts He Had as a Youngster
"Many years ago, I did have doubts about my motivation and how much I really wanted to dedicate myself to tennis. But right now, I am in a completely different place. I love what I do, and I honestly wouldn't change this life for anything. I feel very fortunate to be able to travel the world and play tennis professionally."
How He Views Those Past Doubts Now
"I don't really know if all those doubts were something positive or negative. There are players who love tennis from age five, and it works perfectly for them too. Each person is different. In my case, it ended up working out, but I also don't think that means everyone will eventually find that passion for tennis."
At just 19 years old, Learner Tien continues to establish himself as one of the great breakthroughs on the ATP circuit in Roland Garros 2026. Beyond his tennis evolution on clay, the American made it clear in Paris that one of the keys to his recent growth has been finding mental stability, confidence, and a true passion for competing at the highest level.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tien: "No cambiaría ser tenista por nada en el mundo, amo esta vida"
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