"I don’t know if he’s gatekeeping them or if he just thinks they’re unobtainable for me": Learner Tien gleaming knowledge from Michael Chang including powerful legs
ATP
Learner Tien admitted he had to manage both the match and his mindset during a hard-fought three-set victory over Ben Shelton at Indian Wells Masters, ultimately coming through 7–6, 4–6, 6–3 to continue his impressive run of form.
Speaking afterwards at the BMW Tennis Channel desk, the young American explained that it was clear early on that Shelton was not quite at full strength, but that it still created a complicated tactical challenge. “A little bit, for sure,” Tien said when asked if it affected his approach.
“I think especially starting out, I could see he wasn’t fully there. Physically, I could see he was taking some pretty big cuts, so mentally that played into it a little bit. In some areas I was overplaying just because I felt like he was going to swing for the fences. But still, whether he’s feeling great or not, he still serves very, very well. So he’s always still in the match, and it was kind of tight throughout the whole thing. I was just able to get through.”
Despite the fluctuating momentum during the contest, Tien once again showed the composure that has quickly become a hallmark of his game.
Reflecting on his mentality during matches, the American said he tries to stay level-headed even when things begin to slip away.
“Sometimes it’s easier than others,” he admitted. "I got broken at 4-all in the second on not a very good game, and I think I did a great job of putting that behind me. Whether he’s feeling great or not, if you’re down a break I’m pretty sure he can still serve it out. So I’m just happy I was able to regroup for the third.”
Tien revealed that he allows himself a brief emotional reaction before resetting mentally. “I let myself get mad for a couple of seconds,” he said. "Then towards the end of the changeover I kind of snap out of it and hopefully I get a break and I’m still in the set. But most of the time I’m pretty good with it, pretty positive.”
Working with Michael Chang
A key influence on that mentality has been his work with former world No.1 and 1989 French Open champion Michael Chang, who has been part of Tien’s coaching team. “It’s great,” Tien said of the partnership. "I think we communicate very well and we process things pretty similarly. The way he relays messages to me is easy for me to understand and I can pick things up pretty quickly.
“He’s very positive and very supportive, so it’s always great to have him in the box. Whether I’m winning or losing, he’s always a very steady, calm and supportive energy. It’s been great.”
The conversation also briefly turned light-hearted when Tien was asked whether Chang had given him any advice on building the famously powerful legs that helped drive his success as a player. “Not really,” Tien laughed. "I don’t know if he’s gatekeeping them or if he just thinks they’re unobtainable for me, so he hasn’t mentioned it. But that’s the goal. I’m trying to get there step by step.”
Learner Tien is the champion in Metz.
Tien’s victory also adds to an eye-catching statistic early in his career, a winning record against top-10 players. For the American, however, the secret is keeping things simple regardless of the opponent standing across the net.
“I try to approach all my matches the same, whoever I’m playing,” he said. "At this level, anyone is really good enough to beat anyone on any given day. So it’s about always staying sharp. Once you go on the court, previous matches and rankings don’t matter anymore — you’re just out there playing. I think I’m able to do a good job of tuning everything out except the match.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
