Learner Tien follows in Andy Roddick’s footsteps with US Open R3 win

Not to be outdone by young American Iva Jovic's marathon win on Saturday, 20-year-old Learner Tien produced his own tennis magic with a five set win over Jakub Mensik at the 2026 US Open.

Tien is coached by another former young tennis superstar, 1989 French Open winner Michael Chang. He etches himself in tennis history by being the youngest American man to make it to the US Open fourth round since Andy Roddick in 2002, a year before Roddick won his US Open title.

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Tien continues to impress

He is not always the first of the 21-and-under generation that comes to mind among his peers: Arthur Fils, Joao Fonseca, and Mensik.

However, his game continues to improve, and Tien is becoming elite and beloved among his peers and fans.

The serve is a work-in-progress and perhaps the most vulnerable part of his game.

He is 5-0 in his career in five set matches. Tien is rarely rattled, going about his business with class. He gave a shoutout to the fans who stayed at Armstrong Stadium until the end to support him. Tien admitted he may not have won the match without their energy.

September 6, 2026; New York, United States; Learner Tien of the U.S. celebrates after winning his third round match against Czech Republic's Jakub Mensik. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

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Karen Khachanov awaits in R4

Next up for Tien is Karen Khachanov. It will be their first meeting.

Tien's win softens the blow a bit from the Taylor Fritz loss. There are five American men in the Round of 16 including Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Alex Michelsen, and Tien.

Of course, the American men are still chasing Roddick's other record of being the last American man to win a Grand Slam. (Roddick won the 2003 US Open.)

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