Learner Tian turns promise into evidence in Jeddah: ‘I made it’ | ATP Tour
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Tian turns promise into evidence in Jeddah: “I succeeded”
Last year’s Team USA, a finalist, triumphed at the Next Generation ATP Finals
December 21, 2025
Colleen Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Student Tien celebrates his Next Generation ATP Finals trophy with agent Mats Merkel, coaches Erik Kortland and Michael Chang, and Chang’s son Micah.
Jerome Coombe
Novice Tenn has started to make a name for himself on the ATP Tour, but his win at the Next Generation ATP Finals at PIF on Sunday made an even louder statement.
After losing to Joao Fonseca in last year’s final in Jeddah, the American carried that disappointment into a breakthrough season in 2025 before returning to the 20-and-under category as the man to beat. But amid mounting expectations, Tian showed maturity beyond his years, defeating Alexander Blockx in the final with a brilliant 59-minute performance, saving his best tennis score.
“It’s really cool to be able to add my name to the list of previous winners,” said Tien, who joins the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as winners of the event. “I think every player that won this game did really well, so to be listed alongside those names means a lot.
“I’ve been waiting a year to win this trophy…it feels great, especially after being so close last year.”
A key pillar behind Tian En’s rise is his partnership with former world No. 2 Chang Depai, which began in August. Since then, Zhang has helped the 20-year-old win his first ATP Tour title in Metz and reach a career-high world ranking of 28th. Just as importantly, Zhang’s family has become part of Tian’s support system – including Zhang’s son Mika, who cheered him on from the sidelines during the Jeddah final.
“He and his entire family have given me a lot of support since we started working together,” Tian said. “Micah comes to a lot of my games…it’s always a pleasure to have him around. It adds a fun aspect – it makes the games and some of the tense moments a lot easier.”
Tian’s wonderful celebration🍰😂#NextGenATP finals pic.twitter.com/ikpd8NZucC
— NextGen ATP Finals (@nextgenfinals) December 21, 2025
The next wave of men’s tennis arrives in Jeddah with a fearless shot, eager to upset the world number 28 and the only player in the top 100. Throughout the week, however, Tian emphasized why he has improved so quickly in 2025, blending versatility, poise and a rock-solid all-around game to stay one step ahead.
His path to the championship was anything but easy. Tenn endured a difficult start, losing his first match to Rafael Hodal, squandering four match points. With his campaign on the edge, he then faced a must-win clash with Nicolai Budkov Kjaer to escape the group. After dropping the first set, the American turned the tables, winning nine straight sets and carrying the momentum all the way to the title – fittingly avenging his loss in the 2024 final.
“If I had lost one more set in that match, I would have been eliminated,” Tian said of his four-set victory over Budkov Kjaer. “After losing the first set, I actually won nine sets in a row, which was cool. I’m happy that I was able to achieve that.”
Much of Jeddah’s focus was on Blockx, who was widely tipped to crack the top 100 in the near future, but Tien easily suppressed the Belgian’s explosive play to end the week in a lopsided fashion.
With the next generation of champions locked in and his trajectory firmly upwards, Tian now turns his attention to 2026, when he will enter the Australian Open as a seed – no longer just a rising talent but a proven force with his sights set on the bigger stage.
