Learner Tien Dodges Donald Trump Question After Australian Open Exit

Learner Tien got a lot of coverage after his straight-set demolition over Daniil Medvedev.

Learner Tien Dodges Donald Trump Question After Australian Open Exit

Learner Tien (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

It wasn’t just the Australian summer sun bringing the heat to Rod Laver Arena. In a quarter-final clash that had tennis fans on the edge of their seats, rising American star Learner Tien proved he belongs on the world stage, even if his magical run came to a sweating, heart-pounding end against Alexander Zverev.

While the scorecard reads a victory for the German No. 3 seed—6‑3, 6‑7 (5), 6‑1, 7‑6 (3)—the numbers don’t tell the full story of the battle. This wasn’t a routine win for the veteran; it was a statement of arrival for the 20-year-old challenger.

While everyone was full of praise for the youngster, there was a certain journalist who couldn’t resist asking Tien the question on US politics and Donald Trump. Showing maturity, the young American dodged the question.

Sorry, I don’t really want to talk about that right now.

Tien isn’t the first person to be asked this question. Amanda Anisimova is in the headlines mainly because of this question as she has given multiple answers on her refusing to answer it.

Outside of that, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys have all been asked this question. At the Australian Open, politics isn’t just limited to USA as Oleksandra Oliynykova triggered the Russia-Ukraine situation by targeting Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka.

The tactical clash between Alexander Zverev and Learner Tien

What made this match so fascinating to watch was the sheer contrast in styles. Alexander Zverev is a sledgehammer—tall, powerful, and possessing one of the biggest serves on tour. Learner Tien, on the other hand, played like an artist.

Learner Tien (2)
Learner Tien (Image via X/Game, Set $ Talk)

Under the guidance of his coach, former French Open champion Michael Chang, Tien has developed a game built on finesse, court craft, and fearlessness. He wasn’t trying to out-hit Zverev; he was trying to out-think him. He utilized deft drop shots, rushed the net, and mixed up the pace to disrupt the German’s rhythm. Even Zverev had to tip his cap after the matchup:

Learner from the baseline was playing unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve played anyone who plays that well from the baseline for a very long time. Without my 20-something aces, I probably would not have won today.

That admission from a top-tier player speaks volumes. It wasn’t Zverev’s groundstrokes that saved him; it was the free points from his serve that Tien simply couldn’t touch.

What comes next for Learner Tien?

For Alexander Zverev, the road continues as he eyes another Slam final. He has to get past Carlos Alcaraz in the last four, someone whom he has had success against at the Rod Laver Arena.

Learner Tien
Learner Tien (Image via X/Ground Pass)

But for Learner Tien, this tournament is a launchpad. He leaves Melbourne with more than just a paycheck; he leaves with the knowledge that he can stand toe-to-toe with the top three players in the world.

While everyone talks about this loss, he will solely remember this tournament for the way he demolished Daniil Medvedev. He beat the Russian for the second consecutive year at Melbourne.

He has the shots. He has the movement. And now, he has the experience of a deep Grand Slam run under his belt. As the season progresses, expect to see the name Tien going deep in draws on a regular basis. The “Next Gen” conversation just got a lot more interesting.

Also Read: Lorenzo Musetti Reacts to Coming up Against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open Quarterfinals: “I Want To Win It”