"I’m staying with a great family and getting a nice home-cooked breakfast every day" - Learner Tien enjoying time in Houston as he breaks new ground on clay

Learner Tien is breaking new ground at the U.S. Men's Cay Court Championship. He is in a first ATP quarterfinal on clay after defeating wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to reach double digits in ATP last-eight appearances. Away from the tournament, he was quick to share his love for Houston

Tien took the early advantage by streaking out 3-0 ahead. He saw it out from there but would be under a bit of pressure when his opponent raced into a 5-2 lead in the second set, quickly levelling up to force a decider. The 20-year-old showed his talent as he breezed past his opponent in a dominant third set showing, as his progression in his tennis career continues on a surface he has not been totally accustomed to in the past.

"It feels great. It was a tough match," he told the Tennis Channel after the match. "I felt like my energy dipped a little bit in the second set, and he started playing a lot better. But I’m really happy to start the clay swing with a tough win."

Tien has never been recognised as a clay player, but he is working on developing his game for a hugely pivotal period in the season. A run to the quarterfinal in Houston is a positive sign and hopefully a sign of things to come from the American who is currently having a prosperous relationship with Michael Chang.

On the surface, drop shots are key but possibly not utilised by Tien enough of the time. "In general, I’m trying to improve my drop shot and use it more often," he stated. "It’s a shot that I have—I just don’t always use it. But it can be very effective. I was working on it a bit before the match, so I’m happy it paid off."

When asked which part of his game could benefit from this surface, he pinpointed his forehand, which could still have some more work done on it. "I’m trying to make it my forehand. I’m not sure it’s a complete product yet, but I think clay can really help it—especially on a bouncy court. I’m just trying to improve and learn how to use the court better overall."

The tournament is vastly popular with American players. Along with Tien, notable names including Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe who are all still in the tournament. From the last nine tournaments, just two events ended with a non-American lifting the trophy. The prior four tournaments have seen all-American final lineups in three of them, with Tomas Martin Etcheverry buckling that trend in 2023 enroute to losing against Tiafoe.

Tien would dearly love to add his name to the roll of honour among many of his American compatriots. He will push toward this target while hoping to continue his stay in Houston, a place that is warming to him.

"I’m doing housing this week, and it’s been great," he explained. "I’m staying with a great family and getting a nice home-cooked breakfast every day. Playing in the U.S. is always great, but staying in a house makes it feel more like home. The community here is amazing."

All focus, however, is on the court as he looks to prolong his time in this tournament. The number three seed will take on Roman Andres Burruchaga for a spot in his first-ever semi-final on clay. It would be a wonderful way to start this period and would show huge signs of development from a player with a lot of potential.

However, his tournament could come crashing down with a defeat to the Argentine. He was happy to focus on his own game and prepare for a big match. "I think I play again tomorrow. I saw a little bit of his match earlier when I was waiting to go on, but I wasn’t really paying attention—I was more focused on my own match. I’ll watch a bit, but I’ll mostly leave it to my coach to make the scouting report, and I’ll go with whatever he tells me," he concluded.