Tien moves behind Roddick on exclusive list…
Learner Tien reached a major milestone on Friday at the BNP Paribas Open, becoming the youngest American since Andy Roddick to notch 50 tour-level victories. The 20-year-old lefty defeated Adam Walton 7-6(3), 7-6(8) to move into second place on the leaderboard behind Roddick.
Roddick, the former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, recorded his 50th tour-level win at the 2002 Australian Open at 19 years and four months. By securing his 50th victory at 20 years and three months, Tien now sits just behind Roddick on this exclusive list. Close friend Alex Michelsen ranks third, while Sam Querrey and 2022 Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz round out the top five.
“It is great. I also saw I was two months younger than Alex. I think it is cool,” Tien told ATPTour.com when reflecting on the achievement. “I feel like it has flown by. I still remember my first win so vividly and how much that meant to me. Obviously, 50 is a pretty big benchmark and now I am pushing for 100.”
Youngest Americans to reach 50 tour-level wins (since 2000)
| Player | Age Achieved | Event |
| Andy Roddick | 19Y, 4M | Aus Open, 2002 |
| Learner Tien | 20Y, 3M | Indian Wells, 2026 |
| Alex Michelsen | 20Y, 5M | Delray Beach, 2025 |
| Sam Querrey | 20Y, 10M | US Open, 2008 |
| Taylor Fritz | 20Y, 11M | Basel, 2018 |
Tien’s rise has been swift and impressive. He claimed his maiden tour-level victory in August 2024 in Winston-Salem, defeating Tristan Schoolkate en route to the quarter-finals at the ATP 250. Since then, he captured his first ATP Tour trophy in Metz last November and followed it up by clinching the Next Gen ATP Finals title in Jeddah. He also has five Top 10 wins.
“I was in qualies and I was playing on some really small court in the back and there was barely anyone there,” Tien said, remembering his first win in Winston-Salem. “I think I lost the first set and then I ended up winning in three and then I ended up winning a couple of [main draw] matches.”
[NEWSLETTER FORM]