Learner Tien got his name because his mom was a teacher and the rising star of United States tennis still lives at home even as he reached a Grand Slam milestone.
The 20-year-old talent will be the youngest men’s singles quarter-finalist at the Australian Open since 2015 when he faces Alexander Zverev in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Tien’s mother Huyen, a retired teacher, and the rest of the family have played a central part in his fast rise to prominence.
"I do still live at home,” the unassuming Tien, whose parents migrated from Vietnam to the United States, said after thrashing three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
"I think sometime this year I’ll probably get my own place,” added Tien, who has already racked up prizemoney of more than US$3 million (HK$23.4 million) in his young career.
Tien was born in California and is now coached by Michael Chang, who famously won the French Open as a 17-year-old in 1989.
His father, Khuong, coached him when he was a child and Tien’s sister is called Justice - because Khuong is a lawyer.
The family remain very close-knit despite Tien’s ascent, which includes a first ATP title in November. In December he won the Next Gen ATP Finals for rising stars of men’s tennis.
He only turned 20 last month and the left-hander said: “My parents are still very much involved in my life and I’m very grateful to them for it ... and it’s hard to think of a life without them.”
Ranked 29 to Zverev’s number three, Tien will be the clear underdog when they meet today.
But Tien struck a quietly confident tone.
"I feel like I have been playing a little bit better match by match, and, you know, each match I’m making a little jump in how well I’m playing, how comfortable I feel,” he said.
"Right now I’m feeling better than I have all week, all year, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
