Learner Tien 'destroys' Medvedev, reaching Grand Slam quarterfinals for the first time

An impeccable performance by the young American talent whose family once lived in Vietnam.

Australian Open 2026 The tournament continued to deliver major surprises as young American Learner Tien caused a shock with a convincing win over former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev. In the fourth-round match at Melbourne Park on the afternoon of January 25 (Vietnam time), the 25th seed defeated "Meddy" unexpectedly 3-0 (6-4; 6-0; 6-3) in just 1 hour and 42 minutes, once again disappointing the Russian player in every encounter between them.

Tien, who had a breakthrough 2025 season with the ATP 250 Moselle Open title and the Next Gen Finals championship, continues to show very solid progress. This is also the first time the player with family roots in Vietnam has reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam.

Moreover, he became the youngest male player to reach the men’s singles quarterfinals at Melbourne Park since Nick Kyrgios in 2015, and the youngest American to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since Andy Roddick at the 2002 US Open.

"It feels amazing. My first time in the quarterfinals, and here of all places, it’s truly special.", Tien said. "Every year I come to Melbourne, I get incredible support. I don’t know why, but the crowd here is always passionate and full of energy, which means a lot to me."

In contrast to the young opponent’s rise, Daniil Medvedev had a forgettable day. The player who reached the Australian Open final three times was not himself.

"He played much better than me today. I couldn’t match his level, and that was the main reason I lost.", Medvedev admitted.

Thus, after four career meetings, Learner Tien has won three times: in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open, the semifinals of the 2025 China Open, and the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open. Even when Medvedev defeated Tien in the first round of last year’s Shanghai Masters, it was a tough battle for Medvedev.

The victory over "Meddy" advances Tien to the first Grand Slam quarterfinal of the year, where he will face third seed Alexander Zverev, who just had a convincing win over Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets.