Andre Agassi shared with AFP on Tuesday that the exceptionally talented American teen, Learner Tien, possesses the natural skills and mental toughness to ascend to the top ranks of global tennis.
This month, the 19-year-old Tien advanced to the final of the China Open in Beijing and recently challenged former world number one Daniil Medvedev to three sets at the Shanghai Masters, before falling in the last 16.
While speaking in Hong Kong, the retired legend Agassi praised his young fellow American, who is widely seen as a rising star in men’s tennis.
“His understanding of the game is phenomenal. He’s incredibly gifted, not just in his play but also in his mindset,” said the former world number one and eight-time Grand Slam winner.
“He needs to overcome certain physical limitations compared to others, like size and strength, but he’s still very young.
“From a tennis execution perspective, he’s one of the few where I think to myself, how would I even make him better — he does it all,” Agassi added.
While attending the Prudential NextGen Aces event in Hong Kong, the 55-year-old Agassi expressed particular admiration for Tien’s composure under pressure.
Comparing him to Australia’s world number seven, Alex De Minaur, who is seven years Tien’s senior, Agassi noted: “What I respect most is how they always show up, just like De Minaur. Their composure never wavers.
“They force opponents to beat them and can elevate their game to challenge the world’s top 10.”
Agassi concluded about California’s Tien, who turned professional in 2023 and is currently ranked 38th: “Mentally, he’s got what it takes.”
