California Native Learner Tien Pulls Off Big Upset at Australian Open

The Irvine native, ranked No. 121 in the world, topped No. 5 Daniil Medvedev in a match that went nearly five hours, including a rain delay.

Learner Tien plays a backhand in a second-round match against Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 16. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Learner Tien, 19, gave Californians a little extra to cheer for on Jan. 17 in Melbourne, Australia, as he pulled an upset of Russian Daniil Medvedev in the second round of the Australian Open.

“I don’t know if my parents are still watching. I don’t know what time it is in California, but I think they were. My whole family stayed up to watch, so I’m not sure if they’re still watching, but ... if they are, I love you guys. Thank you for always supporting me from across the world,” Tien said during his on-court post-match interview and speech.  “I know you guys wish you could be here. I wish you could be here too.”