An unexpected event unfolded at the Australian Open, thanks to an American teen.

In a nail-biting five-set match, 19-year-old qualifier Learner Tien triumphed over the No. 5-ranked Daniil Medvedev, a three-time finalist at the Australian Open. The final score was 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (8), 1-6, 7-6 (7), marking the most significant win in Tien’s young career.

Even after taking a commanding two-set lead, Tien faced some challenges as Medvedev fought back, eventually tying the match and forcing a decisive fifth set. Despite the pressure, Tien maintained his composure and clinched victory when Medvedev’s return shot sailed out, concluding a nearly five-hour battle just before 3 a.m. Melbourne time.

“I’m really pleased to have won. I know I may have made it tougher than it could have been, but it’s all good,” Tien stated during his post-match interview.

With this win, Tien has become the second-youngest American man to reach the third round of the Australian Open since Pete Sampras accomplished it at 18 in 1990.

Learner Tien: Key Facts

Hailing from Irvine, California, Tien had a notable junior career before turning pro.

He claimed victory at the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championships in both 2022 and 2023, which earned him wild-card entries into the US Open at the ages of 16 and 17, respectively. Tien also reached the junior finals of the Australian Open and US Open in 2023 and participated in a semester of collegiate tennis at Southern California during the 2022-23 season before deciding to go professional. Between May and July, he achieved an impressive 28-match winning streak.

As he entered this tournament, Tien was 0-3 in Grand Slam matches and held a ranking of 121. He had previously defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the first round before pulling off the shocking win against Medvedev. Tien’s next challenge will be against Corentin Moutet in the third round.