Learner Tien has described himself as “grateful” to share the court with Novak Djokovic in the first round of the US Open, admitting that his tactical compass will be fixed firmly on his own side of the net rather than being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the contest.
The draw handed the young Californian a blockbuster opener against the 24-time Grand Slam winner, instantly sparking curiosity among fans and pundits. The buzz is not without reason: Tien has already shown that he can shake up the established order. Earlier this season in Melbourne, he pulled off one of the shocks of the year by sending former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev tumbling out of the Australian Open in a five-set thriller, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-7(8), 1-6, 7-6(7).
That dramatic win launched him into the global spotlight. Since then, Tien has broken into the world’s top 50, built momentum with four victories over top-10 opponents, and steadily carved out a reputation as one of the tour’s most fearless emerging names. His recent runs speak volumes: he dismissed Denis Shapovalov and Reilly Opelka at the Canadian Masters and then stunned world No. 5 Andrey Rublev at the Citi Open.
Asked about the mindset that allows him to challenge – and often beat – higher-ranked rivals, Tien explained: “I try to approach all my matches thinking about what I can control and trying to focus on my side of the court. That helps, when I’m playing someone ranked [world number] five or if I’m playing someone ranked 200. It helps me be focused and not think of who I’m playing as much as what I need to do. Sometimes your head can go a lot of different places in those matches. It helps me a lot, just focusing on what I can control.”
For the 18-year-old, stepping on court against Djokovic represents more than just another chance to climb the ladder. It feels like a childhood wish materialising. “I think it’s an amazing opportunity. It’s kind of like a childhood dream that’s finally come true. It will be surreal to get on court with him. I’ve said a few times that I would love to play him before he retires. It’s really cool to be able to play him on a stage like this, and not at an ATP 250 or something. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Despite Tien’s rise, the Serb still enters the match as the heavy favourite. However, Djokovic has not stepped into competitive action since being outclassed by Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the Wimbledon semi-finals – a match where he looked far from his physical best. That opens up an interesting subplot: should Tien manage the unthinkable and knock out Djokovic, he would become the first man to defeat him in the opening round of a major since Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic’s major drought also adds intrigue. Although his last Grand Slam crown came at Flushing Meadows two years ago, he has remained a fixture deep into tournaments, collecting one runner-up finish and four semi-final appearances during that stretch. The hunger to reclaim his dominance will be immense, but the uncertainty around his form lingers.
Reflecting on his whirlwind season, Tien told USOpen.org: “I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this year to play some of these top guys. I think these opportunities will set me up for the future, for sure.”
The teenager has made no secret of his admiration for the Serbian legend. “I always really looked up to him (Djokovic). I was lucky to grow up in a time where the Big Three were all playing toward their prime. I really appreciate what he’s done for the sport and what he’s achieved.”
The stakes, meanwhile, remain clear. Whoever survives this high-profile first-round showdown will go on to meet either Zachary Svajda or Zsombor Piros, both of whom earned their places in the main draw via qualifying. A potential third-round meeting with 28th seed Alex Michelsen looms as the next big test.