Men’s Tennis | December 19, 2022
LOS ANGELES — USC men’s tennis welcomes another midseason addition with the signing of Learner Tien to join the Trojans in Spring 2023, head coach Brett Masi has announced today (Dec. 19). An accomplished competitor out of Irvine, Tien is the No. 1 rated recruit in his class by TennisRecruiting.Net.
Blue Chip Recruit Tien won the 2022 USTA Boy’s 18s Singles National Championship in Kalamazoo and carries with him one pro doubles title. With a UTR rating of 13.54, a career high ITF junior ranking of #35 and current ATP singles ranking of #862, Tien looks to be a major contributor for Troy this upcoming spring.
“To get a kid like Learner Tien at any point in the year is incredible,” said USC head coach Brett Masi. “Someone who has won a National Championship and played in the US Open, his experience is going to bring a great deal to our team. He’s a one-of-a-kind recruit and huge kudos to assistant coach Rich Bonfiglio on his recruitment.”
At just 16, Tien won the 2022 USTA Boys 18s National Championship, which earned him a wildcard into the main draw of the 2022 US Open. The win earned him the title of youngest player to compete in the men’s US Open singles draw since 2005. He was also the first 16-year-old to compete in the event since 2019.
Tien also brings with him an ITF Grade 1 International Open Title (San Diego) and Junior Wimbledon (reached QF’s) experience.
“We’re excited to get Learner this January and I think this will put us up there with some of the top teams in the country to battle for a National Championship,” Masi added of Lien. “That’s what we aspire to do at USC and it’s what we’re accustomed to doing. With Learner, Karl and the seven guys we’re returning, this team is going to be ready come May.”
The 17-year-old Irvine native joins UCLA transfer Karl Lee as USC’s newest additions to the roster. Both will join the Trojans in January 2023 for competition starting this spring.
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