Rising star on the rise, Learner Chen’s 2026 Australian Open is one to watch

At the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles, three major storylines captivate tennis fans worldwide: can Sinner secure a third consecutive title, will Alcaraz complete the career Grand Slam, and can Djokovic claim his 25th Grand Slam trophy? While the spotlight shines on these top stars, a 20-year-old newcomer is quietly rising—Learner Chen, an American of Vietnamese-Chinese descent. This young “smart player” from the new generation also promises an exciting Melbourne journey worthy of attention.

Born on December 2, 2005, in Irvine, California, Learner Chen grew up in a multicultural family that shaped his unique character—a blend of Asian diligence and resilience with American confidence and openness. His father is a real estate lawyer, his mother a math teacher, and his name “Learner” reflects his mother’s profession, symbolizing a lifelong learner. This also earned him the affectionate Chinese nickname “Qian Xuesheng” (Student Qian). His sister Justice’s name embodies the family’s aspiration for justice.

Learner Chen’s tennis talent emerged early in his youth. In 2023, he was runner-up in the boys’ singles at both the Australian and US Open juniors, and also won the Australian Open boys’ doubles title with his partner, laying a solid foundation for his professional career. His rapid progress saw him win a Challenger title in 2024, accelerating his rise on the pro circuit; 2025 marked his breakout year when he upset world No. 5 Medvedev in a five-set battle at the Australian Open second round, advancing to the fourth round and making a name for himself. Since then, he has continued to impress by defeating top ten players like Zverev, Shelton, Rublev, and Musetti, drawing attention from fans and media alike.

Learner Chen clinched the runner-up spot at the 2025 China Open

Photo: Visual China

At last year’s China Open, he reached his first tour final but fell to Sinner, gaining invaluable experience; just over a month later in Metz, France, he defeated Norrie to capture his first tour title before turning 20. At the year-end Jeddah Next Gen Finals in Saudi Arabia, he battled through to claim the championship, carrying his hot form into the offseason and raising fans’ expectations for his 2026 Australian Open campaign.

Learner Chen wins the 2025 ATP Metz title

Learner Chen’s rapid rise owes much to the guidance of legendary player Michael Chang. They met at the 2025 Hong Kong ATP 250 event and began working together mid-year, with Chang appearing as Chen’s coach for the first time at the 2025 US Open. Their mentor-protégé relationship is naturally harmonious: both Asian Americans living just 20 minutes apart, sharing similar successful junior backgrounds and beliefs, making communication seamless. Chen’s quick learning and adaptability complement Chang’s willingness to share his wealth of experience.

Learner Chen captures the 2025 Jeddah Next Gen Finals title

Photo: Visual China

Their partnership goes beyond tennis tactics; they enjoy fishing trips and life talks together. Sharing a Southern California lifestyle has deepened their bond. As a legend who won the 1989 French Open at 17 and amassed 34 titles, Chang understands how smaller players survive—relying on quick footwork and precise tactics. This insight provides tailored guidance for the 1.80m tall Chen. Chang admits he enjoys coaching, analyzing opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, devising strategies, and witnessing his protégé’s growth brings him unique satisfaction.

Learner Chen with Michael Chang (far right)

Photo: Visual China

Learner Chen is a left-handed, double-handed baseline all-rounder known for tactical control, multi-shot construction, and exceptional fitness, representing a rare “smart playing style” among the new generation. In 2025, he defeated top ten players five times, establishing himself as a phenomenal rising star. Top players and tennis legends praise him highly. Medvedev said, “He’s a phenomenal player with excellent control and point construction. If not for his serve weakness, besides Sinner and Alcaraz, few could beat him. Overall, he has no obvious flaws except for fitness and style limitations.” Agassi lauded his “high tactical IQ, perfect use of angles, height, and spin, with top-level talent and mindset, showing potential to become the world’s best.”

Michael Chang and Learner Chen during an interview

Chang has a clear understanding of his protégé’s strengths and weaknesses: “His tactical understanding and multi-shot resilience are rare; his forehand power and backhand technique are distinctive, but he needs to improve serve threat and attacking efficiency to better compete at the highest level.” During the offseason, Chen focused on improving his serve and refining technical details. When asked about gaps with top players, he admitted his fitness still needs work, but Chang firmly believes Chen already has the potential to challenge elite players and just needs more match experience.

As his fame grows, Chen’s “surprise factor” diminishes, and opponents study his style to devise counter-strategies. In response, the duo agrees to continuously enhance his skills, fitness, and tactical intelligence to proactively adapt and maintain competitiveness. Chang adheres to the philosophy of “steady daily progress” to support Chen’s overall development. Chen has planned more comprehensive season goals, aiming not only for singles breakthroughs but also to compete more in doubles to break into the top 100 doubles rankings. He believes doubles experience will help improve his singles game, though he has yet to decide on a doubles partner.

This Australian Open, Chen enters as the 25th seed, marking his first time seeded at a Grand Slam in his career. “Being seeded at the first Grand Slam of the year is incredibly exciting; it means I won’t face Sinner in the opening round. Facing top players is thrilling, but gaining experience early in the tournament is a safer approach,” he said in a pre-tournament interview. According to the draw, Chen will face fellow American Jilong in the first round. If he advances, he might meet top seed Aliassime in the third round, possibly face Medvedev again in the fourth, and could meet Zverev in the quarterfinals. Though the path is challenging, it also holds great opportunities.

A year ago, Learner Chen amazed the world in Melbourne; a year later, he returns to the Australian Open with more mature skills, richer experience, and clearer goals. This highly anticipated rising star—can he continue to surprise and achieve new heights on the Melbourne courts? Let us focus on Melbourne and witness the growth and breakthroughs of “Student Qian.”