By Erik Gudris | Saturday, May 23, 2026
Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Facebook
Twenty-year-old Learner Tien is proving to be a quick study on how to win on different surfaces.
The rising American earned his second career title, and first ever on clay, by winning the Gonet Geneva Open 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 over Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
One of the biggest keys to Tien’s rapid rise has been his ongoing coaching partnership with Michael Chang.
With today’s title, the pupil matches one of his coach’s own records. Tien is now the youngest American man to win a European clay-court title since Chang won Roland Garros at age 17 in 1989.
“Just want to give a special thank you to my coach,” Tien said to Chang during the ATP 250 event trophy ceremony after congratulating Navone for his week, “There were a lot of days where I think he wanted to be on the court more than I did. He’s always believed in me a lot, and I’m really grateful for all you do.”
Tien continues to make strides on the red dirt this season after having reached the Round of 16 in Rome a few weeks ago.
Yet Tien faced a tough opponent in the final against World No. 42 Navone, himself having won Bucharest earlier this year. Navone also knocked out former three-time event winner Casper Ruud in the semifinals.
The opening set saw both men battle in extended games right from the start. Navone eventually secured a key service break. Leading 5-3, he ripped a potent backhand passing shot on set point to break Tien again for 6-3.
Tien managed to break Navone midway through the second set. He then leveled at 6-3 to force a decider.
The final set proved very close, even after Tien jumped ahead 3-1 with a break. Navone broke back, got to 3-all, and then later both men found themselves at 5-all.
Tien held for 6-5 and forced Navone to try and serve things into a tiebreak. That’s when Tien made his move.
The American, with forceful play, opened up a 15-40 lead on Navone’s serve, and with that two match points. Navone saved the first one. But it was Tien who forced a forehand error from Navone on the second match point to seal the three-set victory.
“I feel incredible. Super tough match today. It started out really tough,” Tien said afterward to ATP.com. “I think the first couple games were longer than my first set yesterday, so a really tough match. Really happy to come through.”
“I think Mariano plays amazing tennis,” Tien added, “We really pushed each other and I’m really happy to come through.”
Tien, who will rise to a career-high ranking of World No. 18 next week, will face Cristian Garin in the first round of Roland Garros.