MADRID : Rising American Learner Tien says he is already planning for life after tennis as he prepares to make his debut at the Madrid Open this weekend.
The 20-year-old, ranked world number 21 and the 2025 Next Gen ATP champion, believes the sport should serve as a foundation for long-term stability rather than a fallback.
“I think everyone recognises that tennis doesn’t last forever, and you want to use tennis to set yourself up for the rest of your life,” Tien told Reuters.
He said a growing number of athletes are thinking more broadly about their futures, aided by better financial awareness and guidance.
“A lot of tennis players don’t go to college or finish their education… I think there’s a balance to it,” he added. “You shouldn’t be skipping practice trying to research how to handle your money, but it’s important to start understanding these things.”
Despite expectations that he could help end the long wait for an American men’s Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003, Tien said he remains focused on steady progress.
The Californian added that cautionary tales from sport had reinforced his desire to be financially prepared.
“You hear stories of successful athletes losing their money and struggling after their careers,” he said. “You don’t want to be the next story people tell.”
Tien’s outlook aligns with a new global initiative launched by the Association of Tennis Professionals and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund aimed at supporting young players with education and career planning beyond the court.
ATP CEO Eno Polo said organisations had a responsibility to help players develop off the court as well as on it.
“We don’t want them skipping practice to study at 20, but one of the things that keeps me up at night is how much talent we lose because players don’t have the right resources,” Polo said.
